A successful final round is advancing the No. 8 Auburn men’s golf team to its fifth consecutive NCAA Championship, shooting 5-under at Ol’ Colony Golf Course on Wednesday. Auburn finished fifth with a three-day 3-over 867, with three Tigers finishing in the top 14.
“It feels really good,” said Auburn head coach Nick Clinard. “We have made it five years in a row and only five schools have been able to do that in the whole country. Hats off to the kids. They deserve this."
No. 5 Georgia led from start to finish with a 15-under 284-282-282—848 followed by No. 17 South Carolina (287-282-283---852), No. 19 Alabama (292-284-281—857), Kentucky (288-287-283—858) and No. 8 Auburn (294-290-283—867). UNLV (290-303-282—875) finished eight shots off the cutline, falling short of advancing.
Junior Will Long tied for 10th in his first regional appearance with a 1-under 73-71-71—215. The co-medalist of the U.S. Collegiate Championship in October had three birdies and a pair of bogeys in his second straight under par round.
“It feels awesome,” said Long. “This was our main goal to get through here. You can’t win a national championship without getting through the regionals. We did part one. Hopefully, we make match play. That is our main goal."
First-team All-SEC Michael Johnson and Freshman All-SEC Jacob Solomon tied for 14th at even par. Johnson had a 69-76-71—216 and six final round birdies, opening with two-straight along with No. 7 and No. 9 holes to turn at 3-under. He made a birdie on the 18th after hitting his drive in the woods.
Solomon played his final two rounds 4-under with a pair of 70s as he birdied three of his last five holes on Wednesday. He notched a pair of birdies on the front as well.
“It feels really special,” said Solomon. “Since I am a freshman, this is what we have played for all season. We accomplished our goal, and it is all good.”
All-American Ben Schlottman fired a 71 to tie for 30th at 76-74-71—221 as he eagled the par 4 second hole and made two birdies. All-SEC Matt Gilchrest had an even par final round as he tied for 36th at 76-75-72—223. His round included 16 pars, a birdie and bogey.
“We have been a great final round team all year,” said Clinard. “This is a great five. Great camaraderie, and they are great players. I was really pleased today coming down the stretch on 17 and 18 and all five guys were even par or better.”
The Tigers return to action at the 120th NCAA Men’s Golf Championship in Eugene, Oregon at The Eugene Country Club beginning May 27.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
