The University of Akron Athletics
Men's Golf Claims Top Spot At Xavier Invitational
October 06 | Men's Golf
Loveland, Ohio - The University of Akron men's golf team won the 2009 Xavier Invitational by seven strokes Tuesday carding a 15-under 849 (284-283-282) on the par-72, 6,921-yard Oasis Golf Club.
"We played very steady all week and today was no different," said third year head coach Nick Goetze. "Each player contributed to our success and it was great to see our team play strong to the finish. This win will certainly give us a lot of confidence for our home tournament next week."
Entering the third round 9-under 567, the Zips shaved six more strokes off their score in the final round and finished with four players in the top-15 of the 69-player field.
Junior transfer Lucas Murray led the field garnering a first place 10-under 206 carding a 66-72-68. Murray is the first Zips player to earn a first place nod since current assistant coach Colin Clemente did so April 22, 2007 at the Tri-Meet.
"Lucas has been close to having a breakthrough tournament and he just kept making birdies this week," said Goetze. "I know this will just be the beginning of more great golf for him."
Three Zips finished with career-low three round marks including sophomores Scott Landreth and Ryan Mason and senior Jacob Patte. Landreth took home the second-place spot for UA tying for eighth overall carding a 213 (73-70-70). Patte and Mason finished within one stroke of each other with Patte carding a 215 (72-72-71) while Mason posted a 216 (73-69-74) for 12th and 15th place finishes.
Freshman Cameron Simmons rounded out the Zips scorecard with a 226 (81-72-73) tying for 47th overall.
The first place mark is the first time since the Belmont Fall Shootout (Oct. 15-16, 2007) the Zips have won a tournament.
Akron will return home for the Firestone Invitational next week (Oct. 12-13) to be held at the world renowned Firestone Country Club. The tournament is the first Akron has hosted under the tenure of coach Goetze and the first since spring 2007 when the Zips hosted the First Energy Intercollegiate.
Players Mentioned
