TEAM SCORES
PLAYER SCORES
By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
LECANTO, Fla., MAY 3, 2016 – USF defended its title in dominant fashion by running away from the field for a 20-shot win at the American Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championship on Tuesday.
Head coach Steve Bradley's Bulls (-19) secured their wire-to-wire victory by going 10-under in the final round at Black Diamond Ranch's Quarry Course (par-72, 7,025 yards). This marks USF's third conference championship victory in four seasons and the second American title in Bradley's two years at the helm of the program.
“Winning never gets old and it's what you play for - to put yourself in that position,” Bradley said. “Fortunately enough, we had a nice cushion going in, so it makes it that much more enjoyable to be able to watch the guys coming down the stretch.”
Senior Aksel Olsen held onto a late lead to win the individual title at 7-under (70-70-69), one shot ahead of Memphis' Thomas Perrot. USF has had an individual conference champion in consecutive seasons and this was Olsen's first time teeing off at The American's three-day event.
“To come out here and actually be an asset to the team means everything,” the second-year Bull said.
USF finished with four players in the top six and Chase Koepka placed third at 5-under (71-68-72). The senior from West Palm Beach was tied for the lead heading into the final round and was tied with Olsen at 7-under heading to the 17th hole.
“I know he's disappointed he didn't win. That's what makes him a great competitor and a great golfer, and that's what you want out of your guys,” Bradley said. “For him to put himself in that situation, that's all you work for.”
Claudio Correa moved up six spots on the leaderboard to finish in fourth place at 4-under (71-73-68). The sophomore from Chile collected two eagles and five birdies in the final round on the way to posting USF's best score of the day.
Rigel Fernandes made USF's biggest move of the day, jumping up eight spots to a tie for sixth place at 2-under (73-72-69). The junior from Bradenton led the 45-player field with 14 birdies, while USF finished ahead of eight other programs with 59 birdies and six eagles.
Sophomore Cristian DiMarco (Longwood, Fla.) tied for 20th place at 5-over (75-72-74) and led the Bulls with 36 pars.
“I couldn't have asked for a better three days with what we've accomplished as a team and how we're trending as we head into the postseason,” said Bradley after guiding the Bulls to their fourth tournament win of the season.
No. 13/15 USF now turns its attention to the NCAA Selection Show that will air Thursday at 9:30 a.m. on Golf Channel. The Bulls made program history last season by posting a wire-to-wire win at the NCAA New Haven Regional and advancing to the NCAA Championship match play quarterfinals.
“Wherever we go for regionals is certainly exciting,” Bradley said. “The goal is to win regionals, make it out of regionals, and go to NCAAs and try to win our first-ever national championship at USF. That's our goal.”
Stay updated on the Bulls throughout the postseason by following @USFMensGolf on Twitter.
