Greensboro College Men’s Golf Pulls To Within Striking Distance of National Championship

Men’s Golf Pulls To Within Striking Distance of National Championship
from Wes Gullett, Sports Information Director at Greensboro College

HOWIE-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. – The Greensboro College men’s golf team pulled to within four strokes of the lead at the 2017 NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Championship Thursday after carding a six-over-par, 294, on the par-72 El Campeon Golf Course at the Mission Inn Resort & Club.

The Pride currently sits in a fourth place tie behind the leader, Whittenberg University, who is at 23-over-par after recording an 11-over-par, 299, Thursday.

“Today was an outstanding performance by our guys,” Coach Jim Cantamessa said. “Sean came up big for us today and Scott made a huge par on 18.

“We have put ourselves within striking distance for a National Championship, and I am really excited for tomorrow’s (Friday) final round.”

Levi Grogan rebounded from a rocky start to finish his round at one-under-par.

Grogan found himself sitting at three-over-par after five holes before recording a birdie on the par-4 seventh to pull to two-over-par. Grogan then pared his next three holes before recording his second birdie of the afternoon on the par-4 11th.

After Grogan bogeyed the par-3 12th, he closed out his round with birdies on the 14th, 15th and 18th holes to enter the clubhouse with a 71.

His brother, Luke Grogan, also had a solid round as he entered the clubhouse with a one-over-par, 73.

Grogan made the turn at three-over-par but quickly got back on track on the 10th hole.

Grogan recorded back-to-back birdies on the par-5 10th and the par-4 11th holes to get to one-over-par. After paring the next two holes, Grogan got to even par with a birdie on the par-5 14th before finishing is day with a bogey on 18.

“I made some really good shots to open the back-nine and gave myself good birdie opportunities,” Grogan stated. “I knew the backside was getable because it is shorter and also has three par fives.

“I played pretty solid on the back before three putting 18. The performance I had over the final nine holes gives me a lot of confidence heading into tomorrow.”

Sean O’Connor also recorded a one-over-par after tallying 11 pars, 4 bogeys and 3 birdies.

Scott Campbell carded 14 pars over the round and finished at five-over-par, while Grant Powell tallied a seven-over-par, 79.

“We are all excited for the final round as it’s something new for everyone,” Grogan added. “We are very happy to be where we are right now in the standings.”

The Pride men will return to the par-72 El Campeon Course Friday for the final round. For more information on the Pride’s quest for a national title, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.