Georgia Golfers Second At Linger Longer



Freshman Nick Reach finished runner-up at The Linger Longer Invitational

Georgia's Nick Reach finished second individually in dramatic fashion at the Linger Longer Invitational at the Great Waters Course at Reynolds Plantation on Sunday. Reach, a freshman from Moscow, Pa., birdied the final two holes of regulation to force a playoff with Alabama's Cory Whitsett. Both golfers birdied No. 18 on the first three holes of the playoff. Reach then birdied No. 18 again, but an eagle by Whitsett gave him the victory.

The No. 25-ranked Bulldogs placed second in the team field, closing with a 5-under 283 to finish the 54-hole event at 12-under 852. No. 7 Alabama won the team title at 26-under 838.
"There are signs we're getting better," head coach Chris Haack said. "We put ourselves behind the eight ball with a bad first nine holes yesterday, but I was pleased with the way that they battled back and turned this into a solid performance in the end. There are still some youthful mistakes but there are also signs of improvement."

Reach shot 4-under 68 on Sunday. He fell to 1-over on the day following his only bogey of his Sunday loop at No. 3. He rallied to turn at 1-under after birdies at No. 6 and No. 9 and moved further into red numbers with another birdie at No. 11. Reach posted a quartet of pars before back-to-back birdies at No. 17 and No. 18.
In addition to Reach's 68, the Bulldogs also counted 71 from sophomore Joey Garber and a pair of 72s from sophomore Keith Mitchell and junior T.J. Mitchell.
Garber and sophomore Brian Carter, who shot 74 on Sunday, also posted top-10 finishes, tying for sixth at 4-under 212 and 10th at 2-under 214, respectively.

In addition, Sam Straka, who competed as an individual, finished 22nd at 218; Michael Cromie, also competing individually, tied for 23rd at 219; T.J. Mitchell tied for 26th at 220; Keith Mitchell tied for 31st at 222; and Sepp Straka, UGA's third individual competitor, tied for 43rd at 227.

The Bulldogs will enjoy a four-week break from competition before opening play at the SEC Championships on Friday, April 20.

Bulldogs Come In Fifth In Furman Intercollegiate

The 21st-ranked Georgia men’s golf team came in fifth on Sunday in the Furman Intercollegiate.

The Bulldogs fired a final-round even-par 288 at the Furman University Golf Course to wind up at 3-over 867. Clemson claimed team honors at 26-under 838.

Nicholas Reach paced the Bulldogs on Sunday, signing for a 2-under 70. Joey Garber and Brian Carter each added an even-par 72, while Keith Mitchell had a 2-over 74. T.J. Mitchell had the Bulldogs’ non-counting score of 3-over 75.

Reach placed seventh individually at 4-under 212, eight shots behind Coastal Carolina’s Sebastian Soderberg (12-under 204). Keith Mitchell finished at 2-over 218, followed by T.J. Mitchell at 3-over 219, Carter at 6-over 222 and Garber at 8-over 224.

Playing as an individual, Sepp Straka shot a 1-under 71 Sunday to come in 16th at 2-under 214.

“I think we made some more progress this weekend,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “We didn’t close as well as I would have liked today. We gave away too many shots coming in. But that’s something we can work on. The best part of the weekend was the way we got off the deck on Saturday (moving from 11th to fifth). That was definitely a positive.”

The Bulldogs will return to action Saturday and Sunday at the Linger Longer Invitational in Eatonton at the Great Waters Golf Course at Reynolds Plantation.

Bulldogs Set To Play In Furman Intercollegiate

The 21st-ranked Georgia men's golf team will continue the spring portion of its schedule this weekend in the 43rd annual Furman Intercollegiate.

The tournament will take place Friday through Sunday at the Furman University Golf Club, which is a par-72, 6,994-yard course.

Joining the Bulldogs and the host Paladins will be Charleston Southern, No. 13 Clemson, Coastal Carolina, East Tennessee State, Elon, Francis Marion, Gardner-Webb, Georgia State, Marshall, Michigan, Presbyterian, Purdue, Samford, Temple, Troy, Virginia Tech, Western Carolina, Winthrop and Wofford.

The Bulldogs will use a lineup of junior T.J. Mitchell, sophomores Brian Carter, Joey Garber and Keith Mitchell, and freshman Nicholas Reach. Freshman Sepp Straka will play as an individual, meaning his scores will not count toward the team total.

"As hard as it is to believe, we're getting down to it with this season," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "After Furman, we've got Linger Longer (March 24-25) and then the SECs (April 20-22 on St. Simons Island). We need to keep improving and make sure we're hitting our stride when we get to the championship part of the schedule. That's why Furman is a big tournament for us. We need to keep playing well, building momentum and gaining more confidence."

The first round will tee off at 8 a.m. on Friday. Live scoring can be found at golfstat.com.

Harris English Talks About Life on Tour

Prior to the Transitions Championship this week, Harris English addresses the media about adjusting to life as a rookie on the PGA Tour.

Men's Golf Defeats No.6 Southern Cal

MONTECITO, Calif. --- The 23rd-ranked Georgia men’s golf team defeated No. 6 Southern Cal 3.5-2.-5 on Monday in The Maestro, a match-play event held at the Valley Club of Montecito.

Nicholas Reach, Keith Mitchell and Sepp Straka posted individual wins for the Bulldogs. Reach defeated Anthony Paolucci 5&4, Mitchell topped Ramsey Sahyoun 2&1 and Straka outlasted Martin Trainer 1-up. Brian Carter halved his match with Sam Smith, while T.J. Mitchell and Joey Garber dropped 3&2 decisions to Steve Lim and Jeffrey Kang, respectively.

“This was a big deal for us,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “To be able to knock off the No. 6 team in the country in their backyard is a pretty good feeling. We have all the respect in the world for USC’s program, their coaches and their players. This was a great opportunity for us to play against a quality team and continue our maturation process.”

The Bulldogs will return to action Friday at the Furman Invitational.

Bulldogs To Face Southern Cal In The Maestro

Six members of the Georgia men's golf team will kick off their spring break in California.

The 23rd-ranked Bulldogs are slated to play on Monday at 4 p.m. in The Maestro -- a match-play event pitting them against six players from No. 4 Southern Cal -- at the Valley Club of Montecito. Both Georgia and Southern Cal had an extra "play day" in their schedules, allowing for the competition.

Slated to tee it up for the Bulldogs are junior T.J. Mitchell, sophomores Brian Carter, Joey Garber and Keith Mitchell, and freshmen Nicholas Reach and Sepp Straka.

Match-play tournaments are rare in college golf; however, a top-8 match-play portion was added to the NCAA Championships in 2009. The Bulldogs are 3-2 in their matches at the NCAAs.

“Because of the NCAA Championships, getting some match-play experience during the year is important,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “It requires a different mindset than stroke play, so it’s good to play under those conditions. We’ve got a lot of respect for Southern Cal, and we’re looking forward to this competition with those guys.”

The Bulldogs will return from California to play in the Furman Intercollegiate March 16-18.

Parel Leads in Chile, Swafford 1 Back

Scott Parel is tied for the lead at The Chile Classic

Scott Parel held a share of the first round lead at The Chile Classic on the Nationwide Tour, thanks to a first round 7 under 65.  Parel, who shared the lead with James Nitties, is just a single shot in front of fellow Bulldog Hudson Swafford.  Swafford, who went out in 1 over par on his first nine, came home with a 7 under par 29 on his back nine to card a 6 under 66 and sit in a tie for 3rd.  Hudson's round included 2 eagles, as he played the 4 par 5's in 6 under par.
Paul Claxton fired a first round 2 under 70 and is tied for 38th.  Russell Henley is tied for 60th at 1 under and Richard Scott is tied for 95th at 1 over par. 
Live scoring can be followed at http://www.pgatour.com/

Kisner in Top 5 in Puerto Rico

Kevin Kisner shot a 4 under par 68 in the first round of the Puerto Rico Open and finished the day tied for 4th.  Kisner, who is getting married next weekend in Athens, had four birdies and no bogeys on his card.  Brendon Todd fired a 2 under 70 and sits in a tie for 21st.  Erik Compton is tied for 34th after a 1 under 71 in his first round.
Live scoring can be followed at http://www.pgatour.com/

Bubba 2 Under at WGC Cadillac

Bubba Watson sits in a tie for 13th at the WGC Cadilac Championship after a first round 2 under par 70.  Live television coverage will begin at 1:00 on The Golf Channel and live scoring can be followed at http://www.pgatour.com/

WGC Cadillac Championship, Puerto Rico Open and Chile Classic

Four Bulldogs will begin play today in The Puerto Rico Open.  Kevin Kisner, Brendon Todd, Eric Compton, and Matt McQuillan will be in the field at The Trump International G.C. in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.  The Golf Channel will have tape delayed coverage of play each evening and you can follow scores live at www.pgatour.com

Bubba Watson is the lone Bulldog in the field at the WGC Cadillac Championship at Doral.  Golf Channel will have live coverage of the first two rounds from 1:00-6:00 and you can follow scores live at www.pgatour.com.

Five Bulldogs are in the field for The Chile Classic on the Nationwide Tour this week.  Hudson Swafford, Paul Claxton, Russell Henley, Scott Parel, and Richard Scott will be playing the Price of Whales Country Club in Santiago, Chile.  This is Richard Scott's first event of the 2012 season on The Nationwide Tour.  Live scoring can be followed at www.pgatour.com

Bulldogs Come In Second In USF Invitational

The 22nd-ranked Georgia men's golf team finished second on Tuesday in the USF Invitational at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club.

The Bulldogs fired a 3-under 285 in the final round to wind up at 4-under 860. No. 16 Central Florida opened the day with a 6-shot lead over the Bulldogs and maintained its advantage by also shooting a 3-under 285 to finish at 10-under 854.

Joey Garber and Nicholas Reach paced the Bulldogs on Tuesday as each signed for a 2-under 70. Keith Mitchell followed at even-par 72, while Brian Carter signed for a 1-over 73 and T.J. Mitchell had a 2-over 74.

T.J. Mitchell came in fifth individually at 2-under 214, three shots behind Louisville's Justin Dorward and Arkansas State's Chris Pledger. Garber and Reach were fifth at 1-under 215, while Keith Mitchell was 12th at 1-over 217 and Carter wound up at 4-over 220. Playing as an individual, Sepp Straka shot a 6-over 78 Tuesday to finish at 9-over 225.

"We would liked to have won this golf tournament of course, but we can leave here with our heads held high," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "We played pretty solid golf for three days, and having a spirited head-to-head competition today with UCF was good for our guys. I think we grew up a lot at this tournament. There were a lot of positives that we can build on as we move forward."

The Bulldogs will return to action Monday in Montecito, Calif., in The Maestro -- a match-play event against Southern Cal. Georgia's next stroke-play event will be the Furman Intercollegiate March 16-18.

Bulldogs Improve To Second In USF Invitational

T.J. Mitchell is fourth individually at the USF Invitational

The 22nd-ranked Georgia men's golf team moved up one spot and gained one shot on the leader on Monday in the USF Invitational at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club.

In the second round on Monday, the Bulldogs carded a 4-under 284 --- the lowest loop of the day --- to move into second place at 1-under 575. Georgia trails No. 16 Central Florida by six strokes heading into Tuesday's final round.

T.J. Mitchell and Nicholas Reach each fired a 2-under 70 on Monday to pace the Bulldogs. Keith Mitchell, Joey Garber and Brian Carter all signed for an even-par 72.

T.J. Mitchell is now fourth in the individual race at 4-under 140, three shots behind Louisville's Justin Dorward (137). Keith Mitchell, Garber and Reach are 17th at 1-over 145, followed by Carter at 3-over 147. Playing as an individual, Sepp Straka shot a second-round 3-under 69 to go to 3-over 147.
The Bulldogs received a little inspiration as former Bulldog and Tampa resident, Ryuji Imada,  came out to watch the team compete on Monday.  The team also had the privilege of having dinner with the PGA Tour member at one of Imada's favorite local restaurant.

"As a coach, it's easy to be pleased with a day like this," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "T.J. stayed under par, and everyone else improved on his first-round score. That's the kind of improvement we've been talking about. Hopefully, we can see that improvement one more time on Tuesday."

The final round of the USF Invitational will be played Tuesday. Live results can be found at golfstat.com.

Honda Classic, Panama, and Golf Team in Tampa

Bulldogs Third After First Round Of USF Invitational

The 22nd-ranked Georgia men’s golf team stands third after one round of the USF Invitational at the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club.

On Sunday, the Bulldogs carded a 3-over-par 291 — seven shots behind team leader Central Florida’s 284. Middle Tennessee State is third at 289.T.J. Mitchell paced the Bulldogs in the first round with a 2-under 70. Mitchell is fifth in the individual race, five shots in back of Central Florida’s Jose Joia (65). Keith Mitchell and Joey Garber each signed for a 1-over 73 to place them in 15th. Brian Carter and Nicholas Reach shot 3-over 75s to close out the Bulldogs’ lineup. Sepp Straka, playing as an individual, carded a 6-over 78.

“I was encouraged by what I saw today,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “We did enough good things to keep us in the hunt. We need to come out on Monday and correct our mistakes and build on the things that we did well.”The USF Invitational will continue on Monday and will conclude on Tuesday.  Live scoring can be followed at www.golfstat.com


Honda Classic

Harris English was in the final pairing on Sunday, but it was Brian Harman who finished as low Bulldog at The Honda Classic.  Harman had his best career finish as he tied for 12th at 4 under par.  His week was highlighted by a second round 61, that is now the course record at the PGA National Champions Course.
Harris English fell down the leaderboard on Sunday with a final round 77 to finish tied for 18th at 2 under.  English was just two shots back of the leader and eventual winner, Rory McIIroy, heading into the final round.
Erik Compton tied for 26th at even par.  Compton, playing close to his south Florida home, recorded his best finish of the season thus far.  Chris Kirk tied for 56th at 6 over par.
The next events on the PGA Tour will be the WGC Cadillac Championship and the Puerto Rico Open, both played this week.
Bubba Watson will be the only Bulldog in the field at the WGC Cadillac.  Bulldogs in the field for the Puerto Rico Open will be Erik Compton, Ryuji Imada, Kevin Kisner, Matt McQuillan, and Brendon Todd.
Panama Claro Championship

Four Bulldogs made the cut at the Panama Claro Championship in Panama City, Panama.  Justin Bolli finished the week tied for 6th at 1 under par.  His week was highlighted by a first round 65 that had him a shot back of the lead.
Russell Henley finished in a tie for 33rd at 4 over par, Scott Parel finished tied for 43rd at 6 over par, and Paul Claxton finished tied for 5qst at 7 over par. 
The next event for The Nationwide Tour is the Chile Classic in Santiago, Chile that begins on Thursday.  Bolli, Henley, Claxton, Parel, and Hudson Swafford will be competing.

Final Round of Honda Classic Preview

With Harris English and Brian Harman in contention to get their first wins of the PGA Tour, Sunday could be a big day for Georgia Golf.  Final round preview from PGATour.com

The No. 22 Georgia men’s golf team will continue its spring schedule at the USF Invitational in Dade City, Fla., Sunday through Tuesday.
The Bulldogs are coming off a ninth-place finish at the Puerto Rico Classic, where they were paced by Keith Mitchell who finished 14th in the individual race.
Georgia will feature a lineup of junior T.J. Mitchell, sophomores Brian Carter, Joey Garber and Keith Mitchell and freshman Nicholas Reach. Reach leads the Bulldogs with a scoring average of 72.46, followed by T.J. Mitchell at 72.75. Keith Mitchell, Garber and Carter have played less than 10 rounds each and are averaging 70.17, 72.00 and 72.57, respectively. Sepp Straka, who is averaging 74.60, will play as an individual.
“I can’t recall ever having a team this young, but it’s been fun,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “It’s been a fun challenge. Everywhere we go, it’s something new for these guys. It’s been enjoyable watching them get better week-to-week and helping them overcome the pitfalls and focus on the things we need to work on.
“All in all, it’s been good. Week to week, you don’t what you’re going to get. But I do know we’ll get a group that’s willing to play hard and lay it on the line. The more experience they get, the more tournament-ready they will be. We’ve had our ups and downs, but as long as we’re getting better, it’s going to be fine in the long run.”
Joining the Bulldogs and host South Florida will be No. 16 UCF, No. 18 Florida State, Arkansas State, Cincinnati, DePaul, Eastern Michigan, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, Kentucky, Louisville, Marquette, Middle Tennessee State, North Carolina, Troy and Villanova.
Live scoring and tee times can be found here.

Strong Start for Bulldogs on PGA and Nationwide Tours

Harris English returned from a two week break from the PGA Tour and finds himself near the top of the leaderboard after round one of The Honda Classic.  Currently English sits in a tie for second after a first round 4 under 66.  He is followed by Erik Compton who is also in the top ten after a first round 3 under 67, that puts him in a tie for 10th.
Chris Kirk shot 71 in round one and is tied for 69th while Brendon Todd is tied for 87th at 2 over and Brian Harman is tied for 107th at 3 over.
The second round of play continues today and can be followed live at http://www.pgatour.com/ and on the Golf Channel from 3:00-6:00.

Justin Bolli finds himself just a shot off the lead after the first round of the Panama Claro Championship on The Nationwide Tour.  Bolli carded a first round 5 under 65 to be the lone player at 5 under par.  Russell Henley was in the top ten for most of his round, but slipped to a tie for 41st with a 2 over 72.  Paul Claxton  and Scott Parel are tied for 78th at 4 over 74.  Hudson Swafford is in 117th after a first round 77.  The second round will be played today and can be followed live at http://www.pgatour.com/.