Michigan State University
Fighting Irish Gridiron Golf Classic
MSU Men's Golf Captures Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic Title
9/30/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Behind its lowest three-round score of the season, the Michigan State men's golf team captured the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic, carding a team total of 863 (288-284-291) Tuesday at the Warren Golf Course in Notre Dame, Ind.
The Spartans have had success at the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic in the past, also capturing the team title in both 2007 and 2012 to become the first team to win the title three times. Individually, Randy Hutchison won the crown in 2008, while Ryan Brehm took the top prize in 2007. Brehm's second round 6-under 64 in 2007 is the top individual round in tournament history. MSU's second round 6-under 274 in 2007 is the top team round in Gridiron Classic history.
MSU won by 14 strokes over Ball State's 25-over 877 (293-293-291). Michigan State led the tournament with 51 birdies, while the third round 291 was tied for the lowest of the day with Ball State.
"It is always nice to get a win, especially at a place where we are comfortable, and a place where we are expected to perform well," MSU head coach Casey Lubahn said. "Our guys responded today with a lot of toughness, especially on the last nine holes. We had done some things all fall that showed us that we were capable of playing with anyone. We just kept making mental and emotional mistakes. We told the guys last week if we could clean up the emotional roller coaster and keep ourselves level, we would get ourselves a win and that is exactly what they did today."
Individually, sophomore Charlie Netzel finished with a 1-over par 214 (72-68-74), tying for fourth place with Lamar's Mans Berglund. Sophomore Sam Weatherhead finished tied for sixth with a 2-over 215, posting his second-straight 70 round.
"Sam (Weatherhead) and Charlie (Netzel) had both been close and had played well at home. They were a little streaky on the road, and today they were just rock solid. Sam had an incredible back nine today to really lead us to victory," Lubahn said.
Senior Jon Finley (71-75-74) and junior Mitch Rutledge (76-71-73) were tied for 11th with a 7-over 220. Sophomore Garreth Lappin was tied for 17th with a 9-over 222, as all five Spartans finished in the top 20.
Following the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic, Michigan State returns to action October 11-12 at the Rod Myers Invitational in Durham, N.C. at the Duke Golf Club.
Players Mentioned
