The fourth ranked University of Kentucky?s men?s golf team, led by senior Mark Blakefield, won its second tournament title of the fall season. The Wildcats beat seven SEC schools to claim the Gary Koch/Cleveland Golf Invitational title. The Cats finished 8 over and five shots ahead of second-place finisher, Georgia State. Mark Blakefield captured his first collegiate victory shooting 213 (70-69-74), including shooting a season-best second round to finish 3-under par.
?I am ecstatic for Mark. He certainly deserved this victory, it was a long time coming. He obviously has the talent and we all knew that,? said head coach Brian Craig. ?He played wonderful golf the whole week and I am not the least bit surprised how he played. He led the team to victory and came through for us this week.?
Senior All-American John Holmes moved up the leader board throughout the three-day tournament after shooting a first round 77 to help the Cats beat co-host and ranked Florida.
?John played a really good last round for us today and led the charge,? said head coach Brian Craig. ?Anytime you beat Florida it?s a nice accomplishment. They are a great team and a great program.?
Holmes concluded play tied for eighth at 2-over, shooting 219 (77-72-69) for the tournament. Sophomore Andrew Stephens played a strong third round to finish third for the Cats, tied for 14th. Stephens shot 220 (76-72-72) to end play four-over-par.
?Andrew Stephens played well,? said Craig. ?He did not have a lot of experience but he played like a veteran today on a hard course.?
Matt Wells brought home a career-best second round, but ended the third round shooting an 80 to finish the tournament at five-over 221 (74-67-80). Brandon Waldrop completed the Kentucky five, firing 238 (79-74-85) for the tournament.
?We competed against seven SEC teams and we beat all of them, that is a nice accomplishment,? said Craig. ?I believe that the SEC has the best men?s golf conference in the nation and it is loaded with talent, it was a great win for us.?
The Wildcats next travel to Orlando, Fla. for the Isleworth Invitational Oct. 25-26.
