CSU finishes 4th in Wendy's Kiawah Classic | Schools

KIAWAH - Despite a solid start to the third round, the Charleston Southern men’s golf team was unable to hold on to their third-place ranking but recorded an impressive fourth place finish in a 21 team field at the 2011 Wendy’s Kiawah Island Classic on Tuesday.  The Buccaneers hosted the event at the Turtle Point Golf Course on Kiawah Island.

The Buccaneers weren’t quite as solid on day three as they had been in the first two runs, shooting a 300-289-311=900 for the tournament.    They shot 23 over par in the third and final round to end the event at 36 over par.  Jacksonville State came from behind to take third place overall with a score of 891 for 27 over.  Big South foe Campbell and No. 40 Kennesaw State battled to a tie, as both carded team scores of 881 for 17 over par. 

There was also a tie atop the individual leaderboard, with the Campbell’s Vaita Guillaume and George Washington’s Andres Pumariega both ending the tournament with scores of 214 for two under par.

“We might not have gotten all of the shots we wanted, but I’m very proud of how we did out here today,” said CSU head coach Mike Wilson.  “There was a lot of great competition at this tournament, with some nationally ranked teams and players competing.  I would like to thank all of the teams for joining us, Mike Giunta and his staff at Wendy’s, as well as the staff here at Turtle Point.  Everyone did a great job of making this week happen and we look forward to seeing everyone back here next season. “

Senior Jacobo Pastor, who entered the round in first place, made one birdie in the final round to finish with a 76 for four over par.  Pastor ended the tournament with a score of 71-69-76=216 and finished on par. 

David Denlinger also made one birdie on the day, shooting a three on the third hole to card an 80.  He tied for 15th place with a final score of 72-71-80=225.  He finished seven over par. 

Freshman Choo Teck Ng, playing in his second collegiate tournament, improved by 14 strokes to finish with a three-round score of 79-74-78=231.  Ng birdied twice in the third round and finished 15 over par to take 40th place.   Teammate Jason Sauder, who competed as an individual, birdied five times in the third round to shoot a 79.  He finished with a score of 80-76-79=235 for 19 over and in 52nd place. 

In 55th place was Ross Thomson, who shot 84-77-75=236 to finish 20 over par.    Will Pieper was two strokes behind at 78-80-80=238.  He tied for 65th place, finishing the tournament 22 over par. 

The Buccaneers will take a winter hiatus before returning to the links at the end of January.  They will kick off the spring season by taking part in the Jacksonville Invitational on January 30-31 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Fla.

Press release courtesy of CSU Sports.