Baker Shoots Into Top 15 at Golfweek Fall Challenge

Sunday, September 10

Pawleys Island, SC

University of Richmond

Golfweek Fall Challenge

Lou Baker stares at his tee shot while beginning to walk off the tee box.

09/12/2023 | Men's Golf

Results

PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. — Grad student Lou Baker shot a 3-under 69 Tuesday to finish the 54-hole Golfweek Fall Challenge at a career-best 7-under par (209). Baker's score, which matched the eighth-lowest tournament score in program history, tied him for 15th among the 80 individuals at the event, held at True Blue Golf Club.

Baker recorded his 12th career top-20 finish while shooting under par in all three rounds, matching his total number of rounds of par from the 2022-23 season.

"I missed two fairways all week and kept giving myself good looks with my approach shots," said Baker. "I did not putt well but I was very happy with how I struck the ball."

Three other Spiders finished the tournament under par, not including freshman Jack LaPiana, who competed as an individual. LaPiana also shot 69 (-3) Tuesday and finished at 6-under par (210), tied for 18th at the event. In his collegiate debut, LaPiana matched the 13th-lowest tournament score in program history.

Fellow freshman Owen Pearce wasn't far behind, finishing at 3-under par (213) and in a tie for 38th. Junior Cole Ekert and sophomore Drew Carlin tied for 45th at 1-under, and senior Garrett Clark placed 61st 3-over par (219).

As a team, the Spiders tied for eighth place in the 14-team field at 17-under par, equaling Charleston Southern and Jacksonville State.

"There was a lot of good and also some things to work on," said Coach Adam Decker. "This early in the season we're still figuring out who we are and how this group handles different situations."

Decker was particularly heartened by the play of his two freshmen, LaPiana and Pierce.

"Owen and Jack did a beautiful job in their first college event. There is a lot to learn and they handled the nerves well," he said.

Richmond will return home to compete in the VCU Shootout on the Creek Course at The Country Club of Virginia on Monday and Tuesday.

"I'm excited about what this team can accomplish when everyone is hitting their stride," said Decker.