PONTE VEDRA, Fla. – Despite a slow start, Alabama men’s golf regrouped to post the second-best round of the day on Monday and finish fourth at The Hayt.
The Crimson Tide flashed their potential on Monday, firing off a 5-under 283 in the final round. Sunday’s round was bested only by Vanderbilt’s 9-under 279 on the final day.
“I was proud of how they responded today after a pretty disappointing start to the tournament. We were able to respond with the second-best round of the day, so that is something to build on,” said head coach Jay Seawell.
Jonathan Griz fired off the Tide’s best round of the week on Monday, shooting 3-under 69. Griz made four birdies in the final five holes, just part of the five total he made on the back nine. He would finish the tournament T28 (77-74-69, +4).
Alabama’s Canon Claycomb finished T14 (72-71-72, -1), with Sunday’s second round marking his 11th round of par or better in tournaments this season. The senior, who is currently ranked 14th in the PGA Tour University rankings, finished the week -7 on par-5s.
Also in the top-20 was Thomas Ponder, who left The Hayt T18 (74-73-70, +1). The finish is his fourth top-20 performance in the five tournaments he’s played.
Nick Dunlap finished T28 (73-74-69, +4), leading the field in pars made for the week.
Jones Free rounded out the Tide’s starting five at T50 (75-77-73, +9), while Jack Goldasich finished T63 (74-79-75, +12) competing as an individual.
“We have a long way to go and a lot of season left to play. We want to play to a standard that we are capable of playing and we are going to continue to put in the work for us to meet that standard,” said Seawell.
No. 2 Vanderbilt won the team title, finishing at -28 for a 16-shot victory.
Alabama will return to play at the Watersound Invitational on Feb. 19-21 in Panama City, Fla. Last season, the tournament was the site of Claycomb’s first collegiate victory.
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