Highlands Invitational: Michael Brennan secures another individual victory
Wake Forest team shared the honors with Missouri (Wake Forest Athletics Photo)
Michael Brennan, a senior student at Wake Forest shot 66-70-68 to register a win by one-shot margin with his total score of 12-under 204. Notably, Jack Lundin of Missouri, Bryan Li of Virginia, and Zach Reuland of the College of Charleston closely trailed as runners-up, finishing at 11-under 205.
The tournament was played at Chicago Highlands Club.
Brennan began the tournament strongly, carding an impressive 6-under 66 to initially share the lead with Zach Reuland and Thomas Hursey. However, his second-round score of 70 dropped him to T4, while Reuland surged ahead with a stellar 5-under 67. Brennan faced a three-stroke deficit to Reuland and posted a final round 68 to win by a slender one-shot margin. Brennan shot two eagles, 12 birdies, and only four bogeys en route to the win.
Brennan ranks fourth in Wake Forest history with six individual titles. Outshining many, he stands just behind the legendary trio of Bill Haas (10 titles), Gary Hallberg (9 titles), and Curtis Strange (8 titles) among the university's most prolific champions.
The victorious team's day was elevated to an even greater level of significance when Will Zalatoris, a PGA Tour champion and a proud alumnus of Wake Forest, took a break from his recovery following back surgery in April to make a guest appearance and provide spirited support to the team during the final round at the venue.
In the team competition, Wake Forest, consisting of Brennan, Scotty Kennon, Andrew McLauchlan, Marshall Melsel, and Tom Haberer, shot 272-283-278 to tie for first place with Missouri, consisting of Charlie Crockett, Jack Lundin, Alfons Bondesson, Virgilio Paz & Adam Miller, who shot 278-276-279 for both teams to finish at 31-under.
ABOUT THE Chicago Highlands Invitational
54-hole men's college tournament hosted by the
University of Virginia. Team (best four scores out of five
players each round) and individual competitions.
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