Men's Golf Finishes Seventh at 2009 Topy Cup

Sept. 10, 2009

2009 Topy Cup - Final Round Results

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's golf team ended its season-opening experience in Japan with a seventh place finish in the 2009 Topy Cup. The Spartans, led by a 16th place showing from freshman James Ross, concluded the 54 hole tournament at 40-over par 904 (307-302-295), after a final round 7-over 295 at the 7,127-yard, par-72 Tanagura Country Club.

No. 2 Washington won the 27th-annual Topy Cup with a total of 8-under par 856 (296-279-281), topping the field of four American and six Japanese teams. Tohoku Fukushi University was second at 4-under 860 (284-294-282), followed by Colorado State, even-par 864 (293-288-283) and No,. 23 Texas, 6-over par 870 (290-291-289). Yoshinori Fujimoto of Tohoku Fukushi University held on for the individual title with a two-day total of 9-under par 207 (66-74-67).

Ross wrapped up his first event in green and white with a 1-over par 73 in the final round, to finish himself in a tie for 16th at 4-over 220 (75-72-73). He played solid golf all week, tallying no worse than a bogey on any hole and posting four birdies.

Senior Jack Newman fired a team-low even-par 72 today, moving him up into a tie for 30th for the tournament at 9-over 225 (76-77-72). With two more birdies today, Newman finished the Topy Cup tied for the team-high with nine.

Sophomore Jimmy Dewling finished play tied for 43rd at 14-over 230 (77-75-78), after a final round 6-over 78. Freshman Will Morris and sophomore Dan Ellis both carded their best rounds of the tournament. Morris shot a 4-over 76 to sit alone in 49th at 17-over 233 (79-78-76), but did end play tying Newman with nine birdies over his 54 holes. Meanwhile, Ellis improved each round and posted a 2-over 74 to tie for 58th at 27-over 243 (90-79-74).

The Spartans next return to action on Sept. 19-20 for the Spartan Classic in Kingsley, Mich.