Oct. 4, 2016
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. - No. 2 Auburn men's golf won the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate, carding a 2-over 282 at the Old Overton Club on Tuesday for a final even par 840. The Tigers have won two-straight tournaments with the Inverness Intercollegiate last week and were runner-up at the Carpet Capital Collegiate.
Auburn (284-274-282-840) held off UNLV (283-284-274-841) to win by one stroke.
"This was a huge win for our program and in our home state," head coach Nick Clinard said. "We really challenged the guys this week, and they responded with some good play. We still need to clean up a few things and be more mature on the course, but I love this team and the direction they are headed."
Senior Will Long led the way for the Tigers for the second consecutive tournament, tying for fifth at 2-under 70-70-68-208. The Gastonia, N.C., native carded three birdies as part of a near bogey-free final round. It is Long's second top-five finish in as many tournaments.
Freshman Jovan Rebula finished a shot back of Long at 1-under 68-68-73-209 to tie for eighth. The George, South Africa, native had four birdies in the final round on Nos. 3, 8, 15 and 16.
All-American junior Ben Schlottman delivered a 1-under 69 final round to tie for ninth at even-par 70-71-69-210. The Advance, N.C., native tallied five birdies for the day with four coming on the front nine on Nos. 2, 3, 5 and 9.
All-SEC senior Matt Gilchrest t-17th at 3-over 76-65-72-213. The Southlake, Texas, product birdied Nos. 3, 4, 6 and 7 on the front nine and 15 and 16 on the back.
Senior Ryan Benton finished 50th at 76-72-77-225.
Baylor finished third at 7-over 289-847 followed by UAB (292-856), host Alabama (284-858), Arkansas (291-861), Charlotte (284-862), Michigan (291-863) and South Alabama (289-867).
No. 16 Florida State finished 10th at 296-869 followed by Mississippi State (293-872) and UTSA (299-884).
John Oda of UNLV took home medalist honors at 7-under 67-72-64-203.
The Tigers conclude the fall portion of the schedule Oct. 21-23 at the Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate at the Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta, Ga.
"We have a big test coming up to end our fall season," Clinard said. "We will enjoy this and then get back to training this week."