Results
SILVIS, Ill. – The Savannah College of Art and Design recorded its best-ever finish at the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship Friday (May 21) as the Bees came in a tie for ninth place.
The Bees, who were ranked No. 4 in the NAIA, shot 298 (+14) on the par-71, 6,983-yard layout on the TPC at Deere Run, which annually hosts the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic, to finish the 72-hole tournament at 1,214 (+78).
The round was the lowest of the tournament for SCAD and one off the lowest score – 297 in the third round of 2005 event - in the 17 rounds played in the Bees’ five national tournament appearances. The 1,214 score was also the lowest 72-hole total in the program’s history, clipping 14 strokes off the previous record of 1,228 set at last year’s tournament.
#Loren Bunting# carded a one-under par round of 70 to finish in a tie for 33rd place with a score of 302 (+18). Bunting was honored after the tournament by being named a first-team All-America selection by PING and the Golf Coaches Association of America. The junior from Ocean Grove, Victoria, Australia, is the second golfer to be named to an All-America team since SCAD rejoined the NAIA in 2003. Bunting, who was named to the NAIA All-America team last year, is the third All-American overall in men's golf. Clint Colbert was named to the NCAA Division III All-America teams in 2001 and 2002 while Colin Kelley was named to the NAIA All-America in 2007.
Senior #Scott Melton# fired a 75 (+4) and finished in a tie for 46th place at 304 (+20). #Mika Becktor# and #Greg Richards# each finished in a tie for 61st with a score of 309 (+25). Becktor tallied a 74 (+3) while Richards carded an 80 (+9). #Tom Hayes# rounded out the SCAD contingent in a tie for 67th place at 311 (+27) after a 79 (+8) in the final round.
No. 1-ranked Oklahoma City University shot a four-over par round of 288 to win the team title with a score of 1,184 (+48), five strokes ahead of defending champion and No. 2-ranked Oklahoma Christian University (1,189, +53). Fellow third-round leader Malone University came in third at 1,190 while the University of South Carolina Beaufort placed fourth at 1,191 (+55).
Malone’s Justin Lower earned medalist honors in the 156-player field at 280 (-4) after putting together a second consecutive even-par round of 71. Lower finished six strokes ahead of Madonna University’s Brett Quitiquit.
The 72-hole tournament was cut to the top 17 teams and 40 individuals, including ties, after the completion of the third round. The 2010 event is being hosted by Saint Ambrose University and the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau.