Racers Post Victory At MSU Invitational

Monday, September 21

Murray, Ky.

Murray State

Photo by: Dave Winder-Murray State Athletics

9/22/2015 8:28:00 AM | Men's Golf

Results I Gallery

A final round charge turned a 6-shot lead into a convincing 16-shot lead as the Murray State men's golf team won the 12^th annual MSU Invitational at Miller Memorial Golf Course in Murray, Ky.

The victory for Coach Eddie Hunt was the Racers' first since 2011 and their ninth of the 12 times the event has been played.

"Well, we're glad to get back in the winner's column," Hunt said. "I thought this team had a chance to win this tournament because we've been playing really well. We've got four seniors that have great leadership. Our goal is to win the OVC, but I think this team can win some tournaments this season."

The Racers carded a final round 281 (3-under-par) after a first round 285 and a second round 287. MSU's total 853 easily won their home event over second place Tennessee Tech at 869. 2014 champion Alabama State placed third at 870.

Leading the way for the Racers was Brock Simmons who carded scores of 70-71-69 for a 210 total (3-under-par). However, it wasn't enough to win medalist outright as Alabama State's Branson Ferrier tied him and forced a playoff. The pair started the sudden death playoff at the par-4 No. 1 hole. Ferrier made par to win after Simmons made bogey.

"I told Brock as far as I'm concerned you won the tournament," Hunt said. "Brock has worked very hard and I think he's going to have a lot of these tournaments where he's going to be in the running."

Murray State had three players in the top-5 including Preston French and Matthew Zakutney. French's 66 in the final round was the low round of the event. His scores of 72-75-66=213 were good for third place. Zakutney posted scores of 69-73-74=216 for a spot in fourth place. Jared Gosser placed seventh with scores of 76-69-72=217, while freshman Gabe Wheeler had a spot in 23^rd place after scores of 74-74-76=224.

MSU had four individuals in the field of 61 players. Duncan McCormick placed 16^th with scores of 77-71-72=220, while Daniel Taylor placed 20^th with rounds of 75-75-73=223. Nick Choate had scores of 72-78-74=224, while Lance Davis finished 33^rd after scores of 74-76-77=227.

The rest of the field included fourth place Wright State (877) and fifth place Tennessee State (902). Western Illinois (905), Missouri Baptist (909) and Eastern Illinois (932) finished out the eight team field.

Miller Memorial Golf Course is playing to a par-71 and 6,601 yards.

The Racers' next challenge is the Derek Dolenk Invitational (Sept. 28-29) at Gateway National Golf Links in Madison, Ill.