*This article was originally posted in The Inkwell and on its website.
The No. 20 ranked Armstrong golf team tied for fourth place at the Kiawah Island Invitational, hosted by USC Aiken, in the first tournament of the 2013 season.
After the first day of the two-day tournament, the Pirates led the field, but on the second day, winds up to 25 miles per hour came rushing in.
“The course was really tight off the tee and players had to hit it straight,” said junior Matt Coco. “The weather was perfect for scoring on the first day, but the wind came off the ocean strong on the second day and gave everyone trouble.”
Armstrong finished with a 13-over-par, tied with Mount Olive in the 17-team field. No. 11-ranked North Alabama (598) captured the team title by just one stroke over host and No. 6-ranked USC Aiken (599) with Flagler (584) finishing fourth.
Leading the Pirates were juniors Cory Griffin and Travis Williamson. They both finished the tournament at one-under-par, with a 143 total and only five shots behind the individual lead.
“I made some mistakes, but was able to make up for it with a lot of birdies and I felt really good with the putter in my hand,” Williamson said.
Sophomore Howard Hickey finished 40th overall with a 152 total, while Coco tied for 47th after a 153 total. Senior Shad Tuten tallied a 155 total, and finished 59th overall in the field.
“The team feels disappointed not to have won after holding a five-shot lead, but it was the first tournament,” Williamson said. “We are extremely excited about our first round shooting 11-under-par, which is one shot shy of the school record.”
Armstrong continues their next tee time on Monday, Sept. 23, at the Jay Jennison Memorial in St. Augustine, Fla.
Categories: Sports, The Inkwell
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