The UNC men’s golf team started well but struggled in the final round, finishing fifth out of 15 teams at the Sea Best Invitational on Monday and Tuesday in Ponte Vedra, Fla.
What happened?
A 2-under 68 from junior William Register led the way on day one for the Tar Heels, while senior Zach Martin followed closely behind, ending the round with an eventful 1-under 69 that included 5 birdies and a triple bogey. Solid rounds from first-year Austin Hitt and junior Ben Griffin closed out the day, leaving UNC in third place at the end of round one.
Day two was highlighted by stellar performances from Hitt and junior Jose Montaño, who both carded 3-under 67s. Griffin also had a solid round, turning in a 1-under 69, as the Tar Heels climbed to second place and within one stroke of leader Florida.
Entering the third round, and in the mix for a team victory, expectations were high for UNC. But the day ended in disappointment. The round didn’t get off to a good start, as the team went a collective 8-over par on the first hole, a par 5, with a bogey, two double bogeys and a triple bogey. It didn’t get much better from there, as the team ended up shooting a collective 22-over par on the day. UNC finished in fifth place to end the tournament, 19 strokes behind the eventual winner, Florida.
Who stood out?
The low rounds of the week for UNC went to Hitt and Montaño, who both put up 67s in round two. It was the lowest round of Hitt’s college career to date, breaking his previous low of 69 by two strokes.
Montaño and Register finished the week in a tie for the lowest overall score by a Tar Heel at 3-over par, with both finishing tied for 12th in the overall individual standings.
