STATESBORO, Ga. – The Florida men’s golf team shot a final-round, three-over-par 291 and finished fourth at the Chris Schenkel E-Z-Go Invitational. The Gators finished at six-over-par 870 after 54 holes, five strokes behind champion South Carolina, which shot 286 and won by two strokes.
Junior Tim McKenney, who had a share of the individual lead going into the final round, closed with a two-over 74 and two-under 214 total (-2), good for a six-way tie for fourth place including senior teammate Billy Horschel, who shot a final-round, three-under 69.
“It was disappointing to get so close and not win,” Florida coach Buddy Alexander said. “It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. We didn’t perform very well on the last nine holes, and we had to count a high score today, which ultimately was a disappointment.”
The Gators entered the day in a tie for first, but Horschel was the only player to shoot under-par in the final round. Tennessee (287) and North Carolina State (285) tied for second at 867, three strokes ahead of Florida, which finished five strokes ahead of Southeastern Conference rival Kentucky. North Carolina State’s Matt Hill won the individual title, shooting a second straight three-under 69 to close at seven-under 209.
Junior Tyson Alexander shot even-par 72 and finished in a tie for 32nd place at four-over 220. Senior Will Strickler shot a four-over 76 to finish in a tie for 74th at 12-over 228. Freshman Mu Hu of China shot 77 and tied for 77th at 13-over 229.
“Tim played under a lot of pressure today and had a chance to win,” Alexander added. “The team had an opportunity to get a taste of battling for a team title away from home in a close contest. We didn’t handle it as well as I would have liked, but it was a great learning experience and we’ll keep building and be ready for the end of the season.”
The Gators compete in the U.S. Collegiate Championship April 5-7 at the Golf Club of Georgia in Atlanta. The SEC Championships are April 17-19 at Sea Island, Ga.