Vanderbilt edges Florida, defends title at Gator Invitational
2/17/2019 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: View results for Florida Gators Invitational, The Mark Bostick Golf Course
Vanderbilt and Florida were close coming down the stretch at the Mark Bostick Golf Course, but ultimately Vandy prevailed
Vanderbilt added its second tournament title on the season on Sunday by defending its 2018 title at the Gator Invitational. The Commodores took a five-shot lead into the final round at Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville, Fla., and barely held off a charging Florida for a one-shot win.
Vanderbilt’s final-round 2-over 282 was the third-best score of the day. It brought the team’s 54-hole total to 1 under. But Florida, which started the day in a tie for fourth, had a 4-under 276 that was at least four shots better than any other team. In fact, no other team but the host team went under par in the final round.
Playing in the groups ahead of Vanderbilt, Florida went 5 under over the opening nine holes. That cut Vanderbilt’s lead from seven to four.
Florida’s Eugene Hong helped cut that lead to one shot with his bogey-free back nine and final-round 3-under 67. Vanderbilt, however, got strong rounds from Will Gordon (70) and Patrick Martin (68).
Gordon, a senior, was also the individual medalist for the second time this season. Rounds of 70-63-70 left him at 7 under for the tournament, and one shot ahead of South Florida’s Albin Bergstrom.
Vanderbilt won its last outing of the fall, the Tavistock Cup at Isleworth Country Club in Windermere, Fla. Gordon also won that event. The Commodores ended the season ranked No. 5 in the Golfweek/Sagarin College Rankings.
Behind Florida in second place (with its even-par total), Liberty finished solo third at 2 over. North Florida and South Florida tied for fourth at 6 over.
Vanderbilt’s final-round 2-over 282 was the third-best score of the day. It brought the team’s 54-hole total to 1 under. But Florida, which started the day in a tie for fourth, had a 4-under 276 that was at least four shots better than any other team. In fact, no other team but the host team went under par in the final round.
Playing in the groups ahead of Vanderbilt, Florida went 5 under over the opening nine holes. That cut Vanderbilt’s lead from seven to four.
Gordon, a senior, was also the individual medalist for the second time this season. Rounds of 70-63-70 left him at 7 under for the tournament, and one shot ahead of South Florida’s Albin Bergstrom.
Vanderbilt won its last outing of the fall, the Tavistock Cup at Isleworth Country Club in Windermere, Fla. Gordon also won that event. The Commodores ended the season ranked No. 5 in the Golfweek/Sagarin College Rankings.
Behind Florida in second place (with its even-par total), Liberty finished solo third at 2 over. North Florida and South Florida tied for fourth at 6 over.
Results: Florida Gators Invitational
| Place | Player | Location | Pts | Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davidson, NC | 600 | 70-63-70=203 | |
| 2 | , Sweden | 400 | 67-68-69=204 | |
| 3 | Bradenton, FL | 300 | 63-70-73=206 | |
| T4 | , Denmark | 300 | 70-69-68=207 | |
| T4 | Birmingham, AL | 300 | 69-70-68=207 |
About the Florida Gators Invitational
54 hole men's college tournament hosted by the University of Florida. Team (best four scores out of five players) and individual competitions.
Most Popular Articles
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Guide: Sites, Scores, and Who Advanced
Dec 5, 2025Second Stage is complete and Final Stage awaits at Sawgrass — follow every Q-School leaderboard and the players still chasing
2025 LPGA TOUR Q-Series: Final Qualifying Stage FINAL SCORING
Dec 8, 2025Helen Briem earns medalist honors, 31 players headed to the LPGA next year
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Final Stage: Ewart Leads Five New TOUR Card Winners
Dec 14, 2025A.J. Ewart topped Final Stage at TPC Sawgrass, leading five players who secured PGA TOUR membership for 2026.
Australian Open at Royal Melbourne: Preview, amateur bios, and how to watch
Nov 30, 2025Rory McIlroy headlines one of the championship's top fields in years - at least four amateurs will have their chance at glory
Inside Gil Hanse’s Restoration of Baltusrol’s Upper Course: A Return to Tillinghast’s
Dec 11, 2025Renowned architect Gil Hanse reveals how he brought Baltusrol’s Upper Course back to life by honoring A.W. Tillinghast’s original