VERONA, N.Y. – The Penn State men's golf team stayed steady in the final round of the Turning Stone Tiger Intercollegiate Monday as the Nittany Lions finished the event in third place at an even-par 864 team total.
Host Missouri claimed the title after finishing 17-under (847), while LSU was two strokes back for second place at 15-under (849). Penn State entered the third and final round one stroke ahead of Duke, and the Nittany Lions' even-keeled play helped them finish five strokes ahead of the fourth-place Blue Devils (5-over, 869) in the 15-team field. The Nittany Lions shot 2-over, 290, in the third and final round Monday after entering the day at 2-under through the first two rounds.
Junior Patrick Sheehan led the way for Penn State as he used a 1-under, 71, third round to move up three spots and finish 5-under overall and secure his spot in a tie for fifth place. Sheehan's 211 total (70-70-71) marks the second-lowest score of his collegiate career.
Graduate student Lou Olsakovsky and freshman Morgan Lofland both finished the tournament tied for 14th with three-round scores of even-par 216. Olsakovsky shot a 2-under, 70, to move up seven spots in the final round Monday. Lofland finished Monday's 18 at 3-over, 75, following his impressive team-low 67 in the second round Sunday.
Rookie Jake Griffin wrapped up his collegiate debut with a 2-over, 74, on Monday to finish tied for 28th at 223 (+7) total. Junior Ben Smith tied for 31st with a 224 (+8) total after a 4-over, 76, in the final round.
Junior Jimmy Meyers finished tied for 20th with a 220 (+4) total while playing as an individual. He carded a 3-over, 75, in Monday's final round.
Penn State returns to action next weekend in their second of five fall tournaments at Duke's Rod Myers Invitational on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12.
