March 12, 2010
BANDON, Ore. – The Fighting Irish men’s golf team battled through adverse weather conditions to claim the inaugural Bandon Dunes Championship on Friday afternoon at the Pacific Dunes course. The Irish shot a 305 in the second and final round to record their second tournament win of the 2009-10 campaign. Due to heavy rains and extreme wind, the event was shortened from 54 to 36 holes of play.
Senior Doug Fortner (Tustin, Calif./Foothill) claimed individual medalist honors for his first career win. After one round of play, Fortner was in third place and then he fired a final round 73 to take the championship with an eight-over par score of 150.
“Doug has grown a great deal these last few months in terms of his maturation as person,” said Irish head coach Jim Kubinski. “That personal growth has really turned his game in the right direction. He decided what he wants and how best to achieve it. I’m proud of him, he’s worked very hard especially of late, and the results are fitting.”
With both his rounds counting towards Notre Dame’s team score, Fortner led Notre Dame to its second win of the year, having previously captured the Fighting Irish Gridiron Golf Classic on Oct. 6. It marks the first time since 2004-05 that the Irish have won two tournaments in a season, as they won the Nokia Sugar Bowl Invitational and the BIG EAST Championship that year.
Senior Josh Sandman (Greensboro, N.C./Southeast Guilford) finished just behind Fortner as he turned in a final round 72 to finish at 10-over par (152). His one-over par final round was enough to earn sole possession of third place. The one-over par 72 also tied for the lowest round of the tournament.
Sophomore Tom Usher (Bradford, England/Guiseley School) finished in ninth after carding a final day 82 to finish at 16-over par (158).
Max Scodro (Chicago, Ill./Notre Dame Prep (AZ)) and Chris Walker (The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands) tied for 19th place with 23-over par marks of 165. Scodro shot a final day 81, while Walker turned in a 79 on Friday.
Jeff Chen (Walnut, Calif./Los Altos), who played the tournament as an individual, tied for 13th. He shot a final round 79 to finish at 19-over par (161).
The Irish return to the course next at the Spring Break Championship in Delray Beach, Fla. The tournament, which will be played at the Gleneagles Country Club, begins on March 26. Check back with UND.com for a preview of the three-day event.
Final Standings (Pacific Dunes – Par 71 – 6,536 yards)
1. Notre Dame (317-305-622)
2. Idaho (324-310-634)
3. Gonzaga (331-308-639)
4. Boise State (333-308-641)
5. Weber State (334-311-645)
6. Utah Valley State (334-324-658)
7. British Columbia U. (342-327-669)
–ND–