April 7, 2015
Junior Michael Johnson won his second career tournament in four weeks.
By Matt Penland
GASTONIA, N.C. -- The fourth-ranked Auburn men's golf team finished second at the Gary Koch Invitational with a 12-under 289-281-282--852 at the Gaston Country Club in Gastonia, N.C., on Tuesday in the regular season finale. Junior Michael Johnson was co-medalist for his second win in the last four tournaments.
Johnson, who fired a 3-under 69 final round with birdies on Nos. 1, 9, 13, 17 and 18, tied with Florida State's Rowin Caron (70-67-71--208). Johnson won his first career tournament at the Tiger Invitational Presented by Jason Dufner four weeks ago.
Freshman Ben Schlottman (74-68-70--212) earned his third top-5 finish of the year by finishing in a tie for fifth. Senior Dan Stringfellow (72-72-71--215) tied for 11th, sophomore Matt Gilchrest (73-72-72--217) tied for 18th, sophomore Ryan Benton (70-77-73--220) tied for 28th, freshman Matthew Perrine (80-74-71--225) tied for 47th and sophomore Will Long (76-79-72--226) tied for 52nd. Benton and Perrine played as individuals.
"We had a good tournament but need to keep improving to beat the No. 1 team in the country," said Auburn head coach Nick Clinard. "Our wedge game and putting cost us, but we will fine-tune it.
"I am excited with MJ winning his second tournament in a month. He played some exceptional golf, and I am looking forward to us competing in the SEC Championship."
No. 1 Florida State won with a 22-under 281-842 followed by Auburn, Kentucky (286-858), Charlotte (288-862), North Carolina State (283-877), Winthrop (286-877), Ohio State (285-877), VCU (289-889), UNCW (297-891) and Western Carolina (301-891). Kansas State finished 11th with a 294-897 followed by Akron (294-898), Charleston Southern (294-898), Elon (296-903) and Davidson College (300-907).
Auburn returns to action at the SEC Championship April 17-19 at the Seaside Golf Course in Sea Island, Ga. Live-scoring for the tournament can be found on www.golfstat.com.
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