The Lipscomb men’s golf team put up a historical fifth place finish with help from Dawson Armstrong who clinched the first place individual title in the College Grove Regional at the Grove Club on Wednesday.
The team will advance to the 2017 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship next week at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.
“For those guys to do what they’ve done in four years — it’s phenomenal for the school, the university and our golf program,” said Lipscomb director of golf Will Brewer. “I can’t be prouder.”
Lipscomb came in fifth overall; UCF clinched first, with Vanderbilt, Clemson and Kennesaw State all tied for second place.
“I’m probably most excited about checking the box off and doing something I’m not sure the school has ever done before,” Brewer said.
On the individual leaderboard, Armstrong posted a first place finish. Mikey Feher tied for 17th individually; Eric Ansett tied for 34th as did Stoney Crouch, and Hunter Howell tied for 57th.
“It’s been a long time coming, getting to live a dream that we have had for the last two years,” Armstrong said. “It’s been hard fought, and it’s been a grind. The coaches have really prepared us well, and we’ve taken initiative to make sure that we’re prepared for any situation that comes our way. I’m sure that we’ll be ready when nationals comes around next week.”
Brewer noted that back in August, he didn’t necessarily expect for his team to clinch such a high seed going into the tournament, but he believed their stellar spring season helped them succeed.
“We had such a great spring, and I think it propelled our confidence to the point where these guys started really, really believing, and that’s half of golf — or maybe even more than half — can you believe that you can win and beat this guy or beat that guy and compete on this level.”
For final results, visit the NCAA golf stats website.
Additional reporting by Lipscomb Athletics
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics