Oct. 22, 2013
BEALLSVILLE, Md. - The Penn State men's golf team concluded their fall 2013 campaign Tuesday in strong fashion, finishing the Georgetown Intercollegiate in third place with an 876 team score (295-292-289).
"We were looking to gain some traction going into spring," head coach Greg Nye said. "We got a big push from JD [Dornes] and Xander [McDonald-Smith] stepping up. The guys have learned a ton this fall."
Three Nittany Lions finished in the top-25 on the leader board to help propel the team through 54 holes of play. Sophomore JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) shot an even par 213 (73-69-71) to earn him a sixth place ranking. 213 marks Dornes' best 3-round score to date. Junior Xander McDonald-Smith marked a career-best 69 in the third round to move him up six places overall from day one. McDonald-Smith's 1-over 214 tally was good enough to place him tied-for-7th.
Junior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) also improved six places on day two of the Georgetown Intercollegiate, posting a 74 in round three to total a 224. Talbert finished tied-for-24th, while freshman Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) was one stroke behind Talbert and rounded out his first collegiate start tied-for-31st overall.
Sophomore Chris Houston (Gilford, N.H.) marked a 237 on the Members Club at Four Streams and finished in 62nd place.
"Today their fight down the final holes paid off. I give the guys a ton of credit," Nye said.
UAB earned the 29th Annual Georgetown Intercollegiate title with a tournament record 5-under par 847 team score. UAB also stole the individual crown as Paul Dunne shot a 4-under 209.
Next up for Penn State will be Big Ten Match Play Feb. 14-15 at the Concessions Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla.
Keep up with the men's golf squad during the off-season months by following @PennStateMGolf on Twitter and liking the Penn State Men's Golf Team on Facebook.