Clemson sophomore Doc Redman birdied the last two holes to help Clemson
to their first win of the year
(Clemson Athletics Photo)
RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico (February 19, 2018) - From eight back to winners was the storyline for No. 16 Clemson as they defended their title on Tuesday at the Puerto Rico Classic.
The Tigers used some late clutch play to finish level-par for the day and 2-over for the tournament as they earned a one shot win over runner-up No. 8 Oklahoma (+3) while Purdue (+5) took third, in fourth it was second leader No. 5 Georgia Tech (+7) with No. 2 Alabama (+14) in fifth.
On a day where scoring once again proved difficult at Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa Clemson surged to the title late as U.S. Amateur champion Doc Redman birdied his last two holes and Turk Pettit earned a second place finish at 5-under.
“It was a great comeback victory against a strong field,” said Clemson head coach Larry Penley. “Doc and Colby made a lot of clutch putts and Turk was solid as a rock all week."
Just a freshman, Pettit combined rounds of 69-69-70 to earn the best finish of his young career and help the Tigers to their first win of the season.
Also finishing in the top-10 for Clemson was Colby Patton (T7; E), while Redman (T17; +3) and Bryson Nimmer (T21; +4) earned top-25 finishes.
In the medalist race Alabama senior Lee Hodges turned in an even-par 71 final round to remain at 7-under and win his his third career individual title.
Hodges took control of tournament with three consecutive birdies on Nos. 5-7 after beginning the final round on the 5th. Hodges did slip up a bit down the stretch with a bogey on the 17th, his 13th hole of the round and a double-bogey on his last hole, the 4th but he had created enough of a cushion to win by two.
Pettit (Clemson) was second at 5-under as Stephen Franken (NC State), Davis Riley (Alabama) and Quade Cummins (Oklahoma) shared third at 4-under.
Clemson Athletics contributed to this story
36-HOLE RECAP
After a day where no team was able to break par it is No. 5 Georgia Tech is pacing the field with one round remaining at the Puerto Rico Classic hosted by Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa.
With three players in the top-10 of the standings the Yellow Jackets are one of just two teams under-par and at 6-under they will carry a five shot lead into play on Tuesday. Georgia Tech will be vying for their third team title of the season.
The low Yellow Jacket through two days is Chris Petefish who carded a team best 1-under 70 and overall is 4-under and three off the medalist lead in a tie for fourth. Petefish, a senior, who hasn't placed better than tied 15th this season followed up his first round 3-under 68 with a four birdie, three bogey round. His final birdie rolled in on his final hole, the par-4 1st.
Also in the top-10 for Georgia Tech are Noah Norton (T6; -3) and Tyler Strafaci (10th; -2).
Among the teams that will try to chase Georgia Tech down on Tuesday are Purdue (-1) in second place and a trio of teams in third; No. 8 Oklahoma (+2), No. 16 Clemson (+2) and NC State.
Alabama's Lee Hodges, 7-under, will carry a one shot advantage into the final round of the medalist race. Looking for a his second career individual title, Hodges has combined rounds of 67-68 thus far. In his Monday round he played flawless golf rolling in birdies on the 11th, 1st and 4th holes after beginning his day on No. 8.
NC State's Stephen Franken led after a first round 9-under 62 but he fell to 6-under and one back in round two. Franken recorded seven birdies and an eagle in his first round without dropping a stroke but in round two it was a different story. The junior did birdie five-times but he also bogeyed four-times and double-bogeyed twice to sign for a 3-over 74.
Brian Carlson (Purdue) is third at 5-under while Turk Pettit (Clemson) and Petefish are fourth at 4-under.
ABOUT THE
Puerto Rico Classic
54 hole men's college tournament hosted by
Purdue University. Team (best four scores out of five
players) and individual competitions.
View Complete Tournament Information