The Kentucky men?s golf team dominated play at its own UK Derby Invitational, winning the two-day event by 32 strokes. The Wildcats posted a score of 856 (-8), while second-place East Tennessee State recorded a total of 888 (+24). Vanderbilt placed third with a score of 889 (+25).

This was the third straight tournament win for the Wildcats and their sixth title of the 2004-05 season, including four during the fall.

Kentucky senior John Holmes finished second in the individual standings behind ETSU?s Rhys Davies who fired a course-record 63 in the opening round and finished at 206 (63-70-73). Holmes fired a three-round total score of 209 (70-66-73) to lead the Wildcats at their lone home tournament of the season.

Senior Mark Blakefield played consistently for the Cats and placed fourth with a two-day total of 213 (71-72-70). Senior Brandon Waldrop tied for fifth after shooting a 218 (70-76-72), while junior Matt Kohn finished tied for ninth with a score of 226 (75-72-79). Senior Matt Wells carded a 69 in the final round to tie for 13th in the individual ranks with a two-day total of 228 (81-78-69).

?Basically, this tournament served its purpose well and that was for us to compete before we head to Regionals,? said head coach Brian Craig. ?Overall, the guys played great, especially coming off exams last week. This was good preparation for us as we go into Regionals.?

The Wildcats return to action next week, May 19-21, when they travel to South Bend, Ind., to compete in the Central Region. The Southeastern Conference champs won that region a season ago.