Florida Gators
Dick's Sporting Goods Collegiate Challenge Cup vs. Ga. Tech
Gator Men’s Golf Defeats Georgia Tech, SEC Loses Close One to ACC in Conference Challenge
Sunday, September 27, 2015 | Men's Golf
The University of Florida men's golf team defeated Georgia Tech, 3-2, in match play at the DICK'S Sporting Goods Collegiate Challenge Cup on Sunday. Despite the win by the Gators, the SEC fell to the ACC, 15.5-14.5, in the matchup between conferences.
Junior Ryan Orr collected a 2&1 victory over Michael Hines, while freshman Jorge Garcia picked up a 4&3 win over Chris Petefish. When freshman Gordon Neale finished all square with Jacob Joiner and sophomore Ryan Celano suffered a 3&2 defeat to James Clark, the fate of the match was left to freshman Sam Horsfield.
Horsfield and Vince Whaley finished all square to give Florida the half of a point it needed to close out the contest against the Yellow Jackets with a final score of 3-2.
Three teams from each conference won their matches. With the ACC and SEC split at 14.5 points apiece, the deciding point came down to the final hole of the match between Virginia's Nick McLaughlin and Vanderbilt's Zack Jaworski. Entering the final hole 1 up, McLaughlin made par on 18 and Jaworski bogeyed to give McLaughlin and the ACC the win.
The Orange and Blue returns to action on Oct. 5-6, when it travels to Birmingham, Ala., to compete in the Jerry Pate National. Alabama will host the two-day tournament at the Old Overton Club.
Head Coach JC Deacon:
On the team's performance Sunday:
“We had probably the most important/effective meeting in my career since I got to Florida. I think the guys really listened. We talked a lot about attitude and effort and self-talk, and the guys came out and were just incredible today – all five of them. It was a small step to get one win against Georgia Tech, but it a big step overall because I think we set the tone for what to expect the rest of the year.”
On the match play contest:
“It's a really awesome format. I think it's really exciting, and I think that's why the Golf Channel and people have gravitated to it. There are a lot of nerves and a lot of important shots that come up, and I think the guys had a lot of fun.”
The Orange and Blue Crew: Final Match Results vs. Georgia Tech
Ryan Orr def. Michael Hines 2&1
Sam Horsfield and Vince Whaley finished all square
Jorge Garcia def. Chris Petefish 4&3
Gordon Neale and Jacob Joiner finished all square
James Clark def. Ryan Celano 3&2
Tournament Field Results: Final Team Match Standings
Vanderbilt def. Virginia 3-2
Florida State def. Georgia 3.5-1.5
Duke def. Kentucky 3-2
FLORIDA def. Georgia Tech 3-2
Louisville def. Alabama 3-2
Tennessee def. Clemson 3-2
For full results, click here.
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