Spiders Go Low on Final Day at Wexford

Monday, February 19

Hilton Head, SC

8:15 AM

University of Richmond

Wexford Intercollegiate

Cole Ekert stares down his approach into the green after hitting a wedge shot

02/20/2024 | Men's Golf

HILTON HEAD, S.C. — After a hit-and-miss Monday at the Wexford Intercollegiate, Richmond rebounded to shoot a 3-over 291 in Tuesday's final round, tied for the lowest of any school in the field of 18. The Spiders moved up three spots on the leaderboard to finish the 54-hole event in sixth place at 27-over par (891), 18 shots behind tournament champion Georgia State, which also shot 291(+3) Tuesday.

"That was a great round today on a very difficult golf course," said coach Adam Decker. "It's narrow off the tee and there's a lot of slope around the greens, which requires very precise shot making along with patience and discipline."

"The course is interesting because it feels like a place where you can go really low, but scoring has been high both years we've been here," said junior Cole Ekert. "There's a ton of trouble off the tee and the greens are very sloped and crowned. So you really need to hit it in all the right spots."

Richmond benefited from a pair of even-par 72s from Ekert and fifth year Lou Baker Tuesday. Both registered top-20 finishes, tying for 13^th among 90 golfers at 4-over par (220). It was the third top-20 finish of the season for both golfers.

"It feels like a nice way to head home with some confidence," said Baker. "Obviously, we weren't thrilled with yesterday, but in the van we said we wanted to shoot even today, which we just about did. I'm proud of the guys."

Sophomore Drew Carlin tied for 29^th at 9-over par (225). He played the par 3s at Wexford Plantation in 3-under for the week, tied for best in the field.

Junior Patrick Isztwan tied for 33^rd at 11-over par (227). He was the only golfer in the field to register multiple eagles over the course of the event.

Senior Garrett Clark tied for 69^th at 19-over par (235).

Richmond's 291 (+3) Tuesday was a 10-shot improvement from its Round 2 score and eight shots better than its total in Round 1.

"This team has the capability to beat good teams and compete for championships," said Decker. "A little more consistency and getting off to a little faster start will help us achieve that."

The Spiders will return to competition on March 11-12 at the Tiger Invitational in Auburn, Ala.