Sophomore Chris Francoeur tied for fourth in the URI
For the second time in four events, Rhode Island Men’s Golf won, taking home first place at the Rhode Island Invitational at Quidnessett Country Club.
URI was able to win with a team score of 898, or 34 over par combined. They were able to outpace the Bryant Bulldogs, who use Quidnessett as their home course, and the Holy Cross Crusaders. Both teams finished 47 over par, and 50 over par respectively.
“A win is always good,” said Head Coach Gregg Burke. “But it is more important how we play and improve.”
Also taking part in this tournament was Lafayette College, Fordham University and Wagner College. Bryant University’s “B” team was also in attendance. Quidnessett Country Club plays as a Par 72, and for the tournament was playing at 6,935 yards.
“The lightning the morning of the first two rounds prohibited the grounds crew from cutting the greens so that along with strong winds drove the scores way up,” said Burke. “But the course was in tremendous shape for the final. It was cold, but it was cold for everyone.”
Rhode Island had three players within the top six in Dawson Jones, Chris Francoeur and Brody King. Jones was able to beat out the other 42 golfers in the field and win the event with an individual score of even par over the three rounds played. Jones started the event with a two over 74, then was able to fight back with a two under 70 and finished the tournament with an even par 72. Joe Egan of Holy Cross finished in second place, as he faltered over the final two rounds shooting 74 and 78 to finish at two over par, after he started the tournament with a first round six under 66.
Chris Francoeur tied for fourth with a score of six over par, shooting 75 in his first round, 73 in his second and 74 in the final round to finish out the tournament. Brody King finished in solo sixth place, shooting 77 in his first round and 73 in both his second and final rounds to shoot a combined seven over par for the tournament.
Jason Short tied for 20th for the tournament at 21 over par, shooting 77, 82 and 78 to do so. Austin Fox rounded out the URI team score with a score of 35 over par, shooting 84, 82 and 85 to do so.
Competing as individuals from Rhody were Burke Barsamian and Sean Taylor. Taylor finished in 28th with a score of 24 over par, while Barsamian finished in 29th with a score of 25 over par.
“Dawson played very well obviously,” said Burke. “Chris hit it extremely well, but his putter held him back in the final round. Brody really putted very well and showed he will be very effective at A-10’s where he finished second a year ago, and Jason is as close to playing his best as he has been all year.”
The Rams will now look forward to the end of their 2019 campaign, with the Atlantic 10 Championship on the horizon at the end of this month.