LSU men’s golf holds on for win

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• Published: Oct 28, 2009 - Page: 2C

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The LSU men’s golf team fired a final round of 286 and held on for a one-shot victory in the inaugural David Toms Intercollegiate golf tournament at The Country Club of Louisiana on Tuesday.

LSU finished with an 8-under 844 in the 54-hole event to edge Kent State and North Florida. It was the first title of the season for the Tigers, who have won all four of the tournaments they have hosted at CCL, and concluded their fall campaign.

The Tigers entered the final round with a three-stroke advantage over Kent State and four over Southeastern Louisiana. But North Florida, which trailed by seven when the round began, closed the gap with a final round 280 while Kent State turned in a 284.

Ole Miss finished fourth at 849 (286-280-283) while Rice (285-287-279) and Southeastern Louisiana (289-275-287) tied for fifth at 851, 1-under par.

Jade Scott of Rice fired a final-round, 6-under par 65 to claim the individual championship by one stroke over LSU’s John Peterson. Peterson, a junior who was seeking his second career individual title, entered the round with a three-shot advantage after recording back-to-back 66s on Monday.

Kent State’s John Hahn was third at 206, followed by LSU junior Andrew Loupe 207 and Kent State’s Mackenzie Hughes 208.

Loupe began the day in 18th place, but soared up the leaderboard by posting a 5-under par 66, LSU’s best round of the day.

“It was great to have the opportunity to play at home. It was a great event,” said LSU golf coach Chuck Winstead in a university news release. “I’ve said it before, there is not a golfer that has reached the level David Toms has reached that does as much for his university and its golf program.

“We are thankful for David and The Country Club of Louisiana for helping us put together a terrific event.”

Toms was an All-American while competing at LSU from 1986-89. He has won 12 PGA Tour titles — including the 2001 PGA Championship — and has more than $30 million in earnings in his 18-year pro career.

Others in the LSU lineup included sophomore Sang Yi (T28, 218), sophomore Josh Jones (T33, 217) and junior Clayton Rotz (60th, 223).

While competing as individuals, senior Brent Blaum tied for 45th at 7-over 220, while sophomore Austin Gutgsell tied for 54th at 9-over 222 and senior Brian Leveille placed 75th at 27-over 240.

Other Louisiana teams in the tournament included Louisiana Tech (10th, 866) and Louisiana-Lafayette (14th, 892).