DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Stetson University men's golf team hosted 14 teams at the LPGA International Golf Club for the 2024 Daytona Beach Intercollegiate on the Arthur Hills course from Monday March 4 to Tuesday March 5.
Dominic Clemons placed first among all golfers in the tournament, his first career win at Stetson, as he posted a winning score of 213. The sophomore helped lead Stetson to a team victory, as well, as the Hatters won the tournament with a +7.
After breaking even in the final round, the Hatters beat out co-runner ups Troy and Longwood by 14 strokes. The team shot 297 in the opening round before answering with a 286 in round two, the lowest score of any team throughout the event. On Tuesday, the Hatters recorded a score of 288 to finish with a total of 871.
The first place finish marked the third championship Stetson has won this season, last winning the World Golf Village Collegiate on Feb. 19-20, and it was Head Coach
Danny Forshey's 5th victory with the Hatters and the 24th overall in his career. They have now won two tournaments in their last three outings.
"Really proud of the guys for battling all tournament," said Forshey. "We will enjoy this and get ready for the next one."
Leading the Hatters in the victorious effort was Clemons, who shot -3. Clemons began play with a 73 before registering a pair of 70s over the final two rounds. He averaged 3.97 on Par 4s and 4.67 on Par 5s, both ranking second among all golfers in the tournament. The sophomore also tallied 12 birdies, a tournament high, and recorded four in the final round including back-to-back birdies on holes 14 & 15.
John Houchin finished inside the top 10, finishing tied for seventh. He concluded play with a +5 but shot one under in the final round. After starting the week with a 79 in the first round, Houchin settled down and posted a pair of 71s in the second and third rounds to end with 221. The senior recorded 39 pars, tied for second most in the tournament along with Calles, trailing only teammate
Matt Gauntlett, who racked up 41.
Gauntlett and
Javier Calles finished right behind Houchin, tied for ninth (+6) and 14th (+7), respectively. Gauntlett posted scores of 71, 77 and 74 to end with 222 while Calles was consistent with a pair of 74s and a 75 to finish with 223.
Truman Keppy rounded out the Stetson squad, tying for 31st with +12. After starting out with an 84, Keppy found his groove by recording a 71 and 73 in the final two rounds.
As a team, the Hatters averaged 3.20 on Par 3s, 4.11 on Par 4s and 4.98 on Pars, all of which ranked either first or second among teams. Stetson also led all competitors with 189 pars while also recording 33 birdies.
Stetson will look to continue their winning ways in the 2024 Seminole Intercollegiate on Monday March 11 - Tuesday March 12 at the Seminole Legacy Golf CLub in Tallahassee.
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.
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