COLLEGE GROVE, Tenn. – The Commodore men’s golf team advanced to the NCAA Championship for a program-record fourth consecutive season on Wednesday afternoon at the College Grove Regional after finishing the tournament in a tie for second with a final score of one-over par, 865 (279-285-301). Sophomore Patrick Martin led the Commodores, ending the event in a tie for third individually with a final total of five-under, 211 (66-69-76).
The Commodores finished in a tie with Kennesaw State and Clemson at one-over, two shots behind team champion UCF. Lipscomb was the final of five teams to advance to the the NCAA Championship May 26-31 at Rich Harvest Farms Golf Club in Sugar Grove, Ill.
Vanderbilt counted a 73 from freshman John Augenstein, a 74 from senior Matthias Schwab, Martin’s 76, and a 78 from junior Theo Humphrey in very challenging conditions Wednesday at The Grove, where winds howled for the majority of the round.
“Well, it was certainly a difficult day out there,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “We knew it was going to be a tough round with the winds up and it being the final round of regionals, but when things are hard it makes you better. I am really proud of John and how he showed some toughness especially as a freshman. We didn’t do everything to our standards today, but we were able to hang in there and get the job done. This time of year is about surviving and advancing and we did that this week which is a really big deal. I know we need to get some rest and learn from this week and allow it to help us as we prepare for our next opportunity at the NCAA Championship.”
Individually, Martin finished three shots back of individual champion Dawson Armstrong of Lipscomb, who carded an eight-under, 208 (69-65-74). Three other Commodores finished in the top 17 for the tournament – Augenstein in a tie for 13th, Humphrey 16th, and Schwab in a tie for 17th.
“I have been to Rich Harvest Farms and I know it is a great golf course,” said Limbaugh. “It is certainly challenging, which is what you want at a Championship. We will work on some little things the next few days and recharge our batteries before heading to Chicago. This is a hungry group, and I know we will be excited for the opportunity.”
The NCAA Championships are slated for May 26-31 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois. The tournament consists of three days of stroke play May 26-28 (54 holes), after which the top 15 teams and nine individuals not on an advancing team will be determined. That is followed by a final day of 18 holes of stroke play May 29 to determine the top eight teams that will advance to match play as well as the 72-hole individual champion.
The team national champion will be determined by an eight-team match-play tournament May 30-31. Quarterfinals and semifinals are scheduled for May 30, followed by the finals May 31.
The NCAA Championships will air live on the Golf Channel, beginning Monday, May 29 to crown the individual national champion, as well as to track the teams attempting to qualify for the eight-team match-play tournament. Golf Channel’s coverage also will include all three rounds of the team match-play tournament.
T2. Vanderbilt – 279-285-301=865
T3. Patrick Martin – 66-69-76=211
T13. John Augenstein – 71-74-73=218
16. Theo Humphrey – 69-72-78=219
T17. Matthias Schwab – 73-73-74=220
T48. Will Gordon – 75-71-80=226
