ATLANTA, Ga. (October 29, 2025) — The Florida Gators capped off their fall season in style, earning their first East Lake Cup title with a thrilling 3–2 victory over top-seeded Virginia at historic East Lake Golf Club.

In a rematch of the 2024 NCAA semifinals, the Gators flipped the script, with sophomore Parker Bell sinking a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to defeat WAGR No. 1 Ben James and clinch the deciding point.

“I wasn’t expecting it to come down to the final hole like it did,” said Bell. “But it’s Ben James — he’s going to be a PGA TOUR player. I had to fight to hold on, and that’s what I did.”

Bell Delivers in the Clutch

Bell appeared in full control with a 4-up lead through 13 holes, but James rallied, birdieing four of the final five to apply immense pressure. Bell matched birdies at 17 and 18 to seal the match and the championship, pumping his fist as teammates erupted around the green.

It marked a defining moment for a Florida team that had fallen just short of the East Lake Cup title in its first appearance a year ago.

“We had an incredibly tough and resilient group of guys today,” said Florida head coach J.C. Deacon. “They played through extreme conditions — wind, rain, cold — and beat an incredible team.”

Early Momentum from Poulter and Swanwick

Florida drew first blood thanks to junior Luke Poulter, who rolled in a birdie putt on East Lake’s island green 15th to close out freshman Michael Lee 4&3.

“It’s always nice to get that first point,” Poulter said. “I think it leaves a message to the team to say we’re here for business.”

The Gators’ second point came from sophomore Zach Swanwick, who edged graduate student Paul Chang 2&1 with crucial birdies on the 13th and 17th holes.

Virginia’s Charge Falls Just Short

Virginia, the 2024 NCAA semifinalist and East Lake’s top seed, made the Gators earn every inch. Junior Josh Duangmanee defeated senior Matthew Kress 2-up, while senior Bryan Lee took down Jack Turner 3&1 to keep the Cavaliers’ hopes alive.

“We had a great fall. Playing match play is fun, and we don’t get to do a lot of it. This tournament was a lot of fun overall.” — Virginia head coach Bowen Sargent

Consolation Glory for Ole Miss

In the men’s consolation match, Ole Miss topped Arizona State 3.5–1.5 to finish on a high note. Senior Tom Fischer secured a 3&2 victory, while Cohen Trolio (5&3) and Michael La Sasso (3&2) added key points for the Rebels.

“To get a win here is a big accomplishment,” said Ole Miss head coach Chris Malloy. “To beat a program like Arizona State and get some match play experience is awesome.”

Men’s Championship Results

• Florida (2) def. Virginia (1), 3–2
• Luke Poulter (Florida) def. Michael Lee, 4&3
• Matthew Kress (Virginia) def. Josh Duangmanee, 2-up
• Zach Swanwick (Florida) def. Paul Chang, 2&1
• Parker Bell (Florida) def. Ben James, 1-up
• Bryan Lee (Virginia) def. Jack Turner, 3&1
• Men’s Consolation: Ole Miss (3) def. Arizona State (4), 3.5–1.5

A Stage Built for College Golf’s Best

Now in its 11th year, the East Lake Cup mirrors the NCAA Championship format, showcasing four elite men’s and women’s teams in a three-day, match-play competition broadcast live on Golf Channel.

Held at East Lake Golf Club, the home of Bobby Jones, the event benefits the East Lake Foundation, which supports community revitalization programs throughout Atlanta. Since 2015, the East Lake Cup has raised more than $2.5 million for the Foundation.

Follow the East Lake Cup

Golf Channel aired live coverage of Wednesday’s finals from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. ET. Fans can stay connected with the event on X (@eastlakecup, @golfchannel), Facebook, and Instagram.