SEA ISLAND, Ga. – The Notre Dame men’s golf team held onto first place for a majority of the Spartan Collegiate, but ran into a streaky Iowa squad who edged the Irish by one stroke for the title. Nonetheless, a strong outing by the Irish resulted in not only their best finish of the year, tying for second place, but also their best score with a 852 (-12).
Individually, the Irish were led by a career best finish from junior Andrew O’Leary, who scored a 211 (-5) to land in fourth place. He was joined in the top-10 by fellow junior Taichi Kho, who finished in ninth place with a 213 (-3).
“It was a great battle today and it always impresses me how well this team handles pressure situations,” Notre Dame head coach John Handrigan stated. “Our goal going into today’s round was to play Notre Dame golf, and to focus on what we can control, and I must say we did an awesome job. Iowa had an unbelievable finish today, but that’s what it takes to beat this team.”
FINAL ROUND
All four of Notre Dame’s scores which counted toward the team total were at even-or-under-par. Andrew O’Leary, who held the top spot entering Tuesday’s final round was playing bogey-free golf until the par-five 14th, where he suffered his only blip of the day via a double-bogey. The junior shot a 72, even-par, for his first career top-five finish.
Taichi Kho led the Irish on the final day with an impressive 69 (-3) round, moving from 17th place to ninth. As a result, the junior achieved his third career top-10 finish.
Palmer Jackson recorded the most birdies on Tuesday with six before ultimately carding a 70 (-2). He tied for 35th with a 219 (+3) alongside senior Davis Chatfield, who shot a 77 (+5) today.
Freshman Tucker Clark was rolling with three birdies over the final four holes on the front nine. He also notched birdies on 13 and 14 before a triple bogey spoiled his round on the 15th hole. Clark still finished with a 71 (-1) to total a 216 (E), good for 21st.
UP NEXT
“The unique Covid pairings where our guys played together allowed me to see a lot of golf this week and see the areas where we can improve,” Handrigan added. “This team is trending nicely and I look forward to getting back to South Bend and the nice weather to get back to work.”
The Fighting Irish return to action at the Schenkel Invite, taking place March 19-21.
— ND —