University of Washington
Swoosh Invitational
Pan Runner-Up, Dawgs Fourth At Nike Collegiate
October 07, 2014 | Men's Golf
FORT WORTH, Texas – Washington had another strong day on a tough golf course at the Nike Golf Collegiate Invitational played at historic Colonial Country Club. Despite their best efforts, the Dawgs could not stay with the top three teams, instead settling for fourth in an elite field of 12 of the best teams in college golf.
“Pan played great and we were near the lead with nine holes to play,” said head coach Matt Thurmond. “I am proud of how we competed this week, but we didn't play that well under pressure down the stretch. We are going to need to get better at that.”
Oregon hung on for the win at 11-over for the week. The Ducks fired a final round of 3-over, which was matched by Stanford who rose up the leaderboard to take second with a score of 17-over. Oklahoma finished third at 20-over, while the Dawgs were fourth at 22-over. Texas, USC, Duke, Vanderbilt, TCU and Georgia rounded out the top-10 in a loaded field of the top teams sponsored by Nike Golf.
“It was as good an event as we have ever been to,” said Thurmond. “Everything about it was just outstanding. The course is fair, but it is just tough. It's just one tough shot after the next. There aren't any easy birdies out there.”
Individually, Cheng-Tsung Pan was in contention to the final hole, needing to make up one shot on Thomas Lin of Oregon as they played 18 in the last group. Both players had putts for birdie on 18, but Lim ended the suspense by holing his, before Pan had a chance to putt. Lim took the title at 8-under and earned the sponsor's exemption to the PGA Crown Plaza Invitational. Pan settled for second at 6-under, while Maverick McNealy of Stanford was third at 4-under. Only five players played under par for the week and Pan was one of only two players to not have any of his rounds over par.
Also playing well for the Dawgs on Tuesday was sophomore Corey Pereira who earned a top-20, placing in a tie for 19th. Pereira shot a round of 5-over 75 in the final round to finish at 9-over 219 for the tournament.
The Dawgs best final round other than Pan's 70 came from Jonathan Sanders who shot a 3-over 73. Sanders climbed up to a tie for 29th for the week at 12-over 222.
Freshman Frank Garber was one shot better than Sanders for the week at 11-over 221 to tie for 27th. He had his round thrown out on Tuesday, however, shooting an 8-over 78.
Finally, Kevin Kwon shot a 4-over 74 on Tuesday. He finished at 16-over 226 and tied for 46th for the week.
Next up for the Huskies is the U.S. Intercollegiate hosted by Georgia Tech at the Golf Club of Georgia. Another elite field will take part in the three-day even that begins Oct. 17. The U.S. Intercollegiate will be the final tournament of the Huskies fall season.
Players Mentioned
