Michigan State University
NCAA Championship
Men's Golf Completes NCAA Championships
6/1/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
June 1, 2007
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Michigan State concluded the NCAA Championships Friday afternoon after firing a round of 287 (+7), an identical round to yesterday's score, leaving the team in 23rd place with a 857 (283-287-287) three-day total. The top 15 teams (and the top six individuals not on those 15 teams) advanced to tomorrow's fourth and final round. The Spartans finished six strokes out of the top 15.
"We got off to a slow start again today and never hit our stride," head coach Mark Hankins said. "None of the guys were able to go really low throughout the week and this golf course was giving up a lot of birdies."
This was the Spartans first time earning a bid to the NCAA Championships as a team Hankins. The last time a MSU team went to the tournament was in 1993, when the group tied for 27th.
"It was a learning experience and showed us that we belonged at the highest level this year," Hankins said. "It was a great season with three tournament victories and a Big Ten Championship to go with our NCAA Finals appearance. The guys know what it takes, we were just a little off this week and couldn't get on a run."
Stanford maintained its lead, pacing the 30-team field with an 828 (275-278-275) total. Coastal Carolina is in two strokes back, in second place with an 830 (277-281-272). Stanford's Rob Grube, Georgia Tech's Cameron Tringale and Clemson's Kyle Stanley are in a three-way tie for first among individuals with a 6-under 204.
Freshman Jack Newman had the highest finish for the Spartans. He finished Friday afternoon's 18-hole round with a 71 (+1) to bring his 54-hole score to 210 (70-69-71) and put him in a tie for 23rd. He carded three birdies and 11 pars during the last day of the Spartans' competition.
"I was extremely proud of Jack," Hankins said. "He played tough and kept it around par throughout the tournament. He has been steady all spring and it was nice to see his hard work payoff with such a great NCAA tournament."
Matt Harmon turned in a 71 (+1) and added 3 birdies to his total, ending his career as a Spartan. Today's round was the second-best round of the tournament for the Big Ten Golfer of the Year and left him in a tie for 43rd after a cumulative score of 212 (73-68-71).
"Matt finished his career today at the NCAA tournament," Hankins said. "He has been the leader of this team all season and has helped to put Michigan State men's golf on the national map. I'm so proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his professional career in the near future. He's a great player and teammate, we will miss him."
Steve Cuzzort had the best round of any Spartan today posting an even round, his second of the season. He tallied four birdies and 10 pars on Friday afternoon, bringing his three-day total to 218 (71-77-70). He tied for 102nd place.
Junior Ryan Brehm carded a 75 (+5) for a 220 (72-73-75) 54-hole total and Grant Tungate finished with 226 (70-80-76) after turning in a round of 76 (+6). The two golfers finished tied for 116th and 145th respectively.
Players Mentioned
