Florida's Samantha Wagner looks over a putt
(University of Florida Photo)
JOHNS ISLAND, SC (March 22, 2016)--No. 8 Florida (858) has won the Briar's Creek Invitational at The Golf Club at Briar's Creek for the second consecutive year. Florida took the lead following a second round 280 yesterday, a score that matched the second-lowest round in school history. Today's win was also Florida's fifth team win of the season, all coming in the teams last six tournaments.
"We really had it going for a while today. It was fun to watch. The course was very scoreable this morning, and we took advantage of it," head coach Emily Glaser said to Brianne Wigley following the round. "The wind picked up with about six holes left, and I thought we lost a little focus coming down the stretch, but we were able to close it out."
Indiana (869) finished in second place nine strokes back. Clemson (870) was next in third place another shot behind.
Florida received strong play from freshman Sam Wagner (-4), junior's Kelly Grassel (-3) and Maria Torres (+1) as all three finished in the top-13.
Wagner was the highest finisher as she placed fifth. Following two rounds of 2-under par 70, Wagner played the final day even. Wagner was three-under par on her day through 12 holes before finishing with a 72.
Grassel shot a 71 in the final round to finish in a seventh place tie. Torres' 1-over par over the course of three days was good enough for 13th place tie.
"The thing I was most proud of this week was the conversation the team was having after the round. They were already talking about the future and how we are going to get better," Glasser said. "This is a motivated group, and they are so much fun to coach."
East Carolina senior Frida Gustafsson Spang (-8) was able to capture the individual honors. After an opening round 1-over par 73, Gustafsson Spang shot 67-68 to close out her third win of the season and second straight.
Gustafsson Spang, a unanimous American Conference first team selection last season, began her day on No. 4. Following an opening hole par, Gustafsson Spang rattled off three consecutive birdies. At the end of the round Gustafsson Spang finished with six birdies and just two bogeys.
She was able to win by a single shot over Clemson freshman Lauren Stephenson and Florida State sophomore Morgane Metraux both at 7-under par. Stephenson was the leader by two at the start of the final round.
-The University of Florida Athletic Department contributed to this story
ABOUT THE Briar's Creek Collegiate
54-hole college tournament hosted by the College
of Charleston women's golf program. Team (best
four
scores out of five players each round) and individual
competitions.
View Complete Tournament Information