FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – The Towson University men's golf team saw a 10
th place finish at it's season opener, posting a final score of 858 (+18) at the Doc Gimmler tournament hosted by St. John's. The Black & Golf had rounds of 283-289-286, finishing ahead of FDU, Iona, Fairfield, Niagara and Coastal Athletic Association foe Hofstra.
"This was a good learning experience to start the year," head coach
Mike Larkin commented. "We had a young squad out there, with two of our guys making their debuts, and I think we come away with a lot of positives."
Columbia claimed the tournament title, winning the event with a final score of 811 (-29) after sweeping the field individually. The Lions finished 13 strokes ahead of Georgetown University (824 (-16)). Reigning champion Harvard rounded out the podium, securing the third-place spot with a final score of 826 (-14). Columbia's Nathan Han held onto his first-place finish for day two, becoming the individual champion after rounds of 64-64-68. He finished the tournament 14-under par. Han's teammates, DJ Francey and Wyatt McGovern, placed second and third respectively.
Brad Riley shot 2-under par for the third round to become Towson's top finisher of the tournament, tying for 39
th in an 87-player field. Riley (72-74-68) improved by four strokes from his previous round and was one of 18 to shoot under par for the final 18 holes. The fifth year recorded four birdies throughout his final round, two of which were back-to-back on holes seven and eight.
Jai Sheth fell two spots to wrap up play tied for 44
th. The sophomore parred 13 of the final 18 holes, shooting a 73 for the final round. He birdied the 14
th hole, making it his sixth of the weekend. Sheth finished the tournament 5-over par, having rounds of 75-67-73.
Ariihau Faana followed not too far behind, shooting 2-over par to post a 72 for the third round. The freshman finished his first collegiate tournament with rounds of 69-75-72, notching five birdies total.
Sky Aung (71-75-73) and
Poon Nantsupawat (71-73-78) rounded out the squad, making at least three birdies apiece for the event.
"Seeing three different guys shoot in the 60s to start the year was exciting," Larkin added. "It shows what we are going to be capable of going forward."
The Tigers have a short break before continuing their fall campaign at the beginning of next month, heading up north for the UCONN Invitational. The tournament is set to be hosted at the Great Horse Course in Hampden, Massachusetts from October 1-3.
