ATHENS, Ga. – The Commodores’ men’s golf team has advanced to their sixth consecutive NCAA Championship after finishing third at the NCAA Athens Regional on Wednesday at the University of Georgia Golf Course. Vanderbilt finished with a final total of 853 (286-284-283), with senior Will Gordon leading the way for the Commodores for the tournament with a score of 207 (69-70-68) and a second-place finish.
The NCAA Championship will take place May 24-29 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The Commodores’ 853 total placed them third behind first-place Georgia and second-place Duke. Also qualifying out of the regional were SMU and Liberty. Vanderbilt tied for the second-lowest round of the day on Wednesday with their 1-under-par 283.
Joining Gordon in the top 10 individually were junior John Augenstein, who finished with a 213 (70-69-74) total which placed him ninth individually, and sophomore Harrison Ott, who finished in a tie for 10th with a score of 214 (71-71-72). Other Commodore scores for the week were Reid Davenport’s 222 (77-75-70, T-42) and Patrick Martin’s 223 (76-74-73, T-44).
"I'm really proud of how our team competed all week. We gave ourselves a chance late in the round today and that's what we talked about last night. It was really a total team effort this week and that's what it takes this time of year. We had some young guys step up in some big moments and our leaders are leading. Harrison had a great week and I told him he looks like he's getting more and more comfortable. What a round from Reid today and to finish with a birdie on 18 was huge. Gordo was really good this week and it seems he's been that way every week for us this year. Everyone was in it all day and competing to our standards, which is all we can ask of them. John is in great form and really had a good week. Patrick was better today and he will be ready next week."Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh
Individually, Davis Thompson of Georgia won medalist honors with a 8-under-par 207, two shots better than Gordon. The Commodore senior from Davidson, North Carolina, led the field in pars for the week with 43 and paced the tournament in par-four scoring (3.88).
"This was a really big step for this team today. We never assume that we get to just show up and take this step. You have to go play and do it at a high level to keep playing this time of year. We are excited and I want our kids to enjoy it because they deserve that. We want to get home and get some rest and have a few good days of preparation before we leave for the national championship. I am very thankful for all the support that showed up in Athens this week. The Vanderbilt golf family is special and that support goes a long way this time of year."Scott Limbaugh
3. Vanderbilt – 286-284-283=853
2. Will Gordon – 69-70-68=207
9. John Augenstein – 70-69-74=213
T10. Harrison Ott – 71-71-72=214
T42. Reid Davenport – 77-75-70=222
T44. Patrick Martin – 76-74-73=223
