After a disappointing finish in the opening tournament of the spring season, Auburn bounced back in a big way at the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate.
The Tigers, ranked fourth in the nation, shot a tournament record 26-under-par 838 over three days, defeating No. 2 Wake Forest and 13 other teams at the Magnolia Grove Crossings Course.
Senior Michael Johnson, who is ranked second individually in the country, won medalist honors with a 14-under 202, which tied for the third-lowest 54-hole score in school history.
“This week was a lot of fun for me,” Johnson said. “I played really well from tee to green. It was a week where golf felt somewhat easy. Those are always fun weeks. You don’t get a lot of those as a golfer, because it’s a tough game."
Senior Jake Mondy and junior Matt Gilchrest tied for third at 5-under 211, while sophomore Ben Schlottman and junior Will Long placed 17th and 51st, respectively.
“This is a big win for the program, and the guys played outstanding overall,” said Auburn coach Nick Clinard. “Michael Johnson dominated the field and was on top of his game this week. Jake Mondy and Matt Gilchrest played very well, which is really encouraging, as was Ben Schlottman’s final-round 68.”
In the individual tournament at the Magnolia Grove Falls Course, freshman Trace Crowe took medalist honors with a 7-under 206.
Auburn placed four golfers in the top 10, as junior Ryan Benton, junior Blake Messer and freshman Mark Lawrence finished third, fourth and seventh, respectively.
“I’m proud of all nine players, and it shows the depth we have as a program," Clinard said. "They are all pushing each other."
The Tigers will return to action on March 6–8 as they host the Tiger Invitational at the Grand National Lake Course in Opelika.
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