Michigan State University
Kepler Invitational
Spartans Place Second At Robert Kepler Intercollegiate
4/15/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
April 15, 2007
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Senior Matt Harmon finished the two-round Robert Kepler Intercollegiate at the top of the field, while leading the team to a second-place finish (295-305--600), nine strokes behind top finisher Louisville, on Sunday morning. Due to inclement weather on both days of play, only two rounds were played, instead of the scheduled three.
"This tournament was very similar to last week," MSU head coach Mark Hankins said. "We had to battle the elements and I'm proud of the guys and how they took on the challenge. They are beginning to trust each other and know everyone is working hard. I'm happy we got strong contributions from all five guys and I'm pleased with the overall effort."
Harmon, who earns his first title of the season, was the highest man on the leader board yesterday after 24 holes. He finished yesterday's suspended second round through six holes at even par and continued to complete this morning's round at even par on the par-71 Scarlet Course for a 142 total (71-71). The 45th-ranked golfer was the only person to finish at even par and led the second-place finisher, 29th- ranked Derek Fathauer of Louisville, by two strokes and third-place finisher, Robert Rohanna of Penn State, by four strokes. This is Harmon's second victory of his Spartan career and the 13th top-five finish of his collegiate years.
"I played there (Scarlet Course) my freshman year, but they renovated it and it is completely new course," Harmon said. "So no one knew the course. Now we know what the course is all about, for when we return for Big Tens, but you can't rely on that. It's nice to have success on the course, but we will still have to be aware and ready to go in two weeks for the Big Ten Tournament."
Harmon's win also marks the second consecutive week that a State golfer has walked away with a title. Last weekend at the Boilermaker Invitational, Ryan Brehm led the field for his first title as a Spartan.
As a team, the Green and White stayed in second place behind Midwest District leader Louisville after ending yesterday's play 19-over-par, three strokes behind Louisville. Louisville was able to extend its lead over MSU this morning by six strokes, leaving the Spartans in second place. Michigan State did defeat the 12 other Midwest District teams, including the 3rd-ranked Midwest team, Wisconsin by 39 strokes.
Sophomore Steve Cuzzort had the best showing of his young career. He turned in an 11-over-par (72-81--153) for a tie for 18th and his first ever top-20 finish. His first round 1-over-par 72 was also his best round of 18 holes.
Brehm combined a 78 in the first round with a 77 in the second round for a 13-over-par 155, moving up 15 spots after day one to a tie for 32nd place. Freshman Jack Newman finished behind Brehm with a 156, good enough for 36th place. Sophomore Grant Tungate rounded out the Spartan lineup with a 159 (83-76) to a tie for 46th.
The Spartans return home on April 21-22 for the team's only home event, the Fossum/Spartan Invitational, held at Forest Akers West Golf Course. The following week, the Green and White head to the Big Ten Championships, which will be held at the same golf course in Columbus, Ohio that the Spartans played at during this tournament.
Players Mentioned
