Ricky Castillo entered the final round at even par before taking command as play came to a close. The sophomore, who claimed the individual title in last year's Gators Invitational, recorded seven birdies and only one bogey on his way to a 6-under par round and finished competition in a tie for 11th individually.
After a shining performance in the second round, freshman Joe Pagdin buckled down. Carding a bogey and a birdie within the first three holes, the England native found his stride and posted even par before a clutch eagle on the 17th hole put him 2-under on the day and in a tie for eighth at the conclusion of the tournament.
Fred Biondi turned in his best score of the tournament in the final round with the help of three birdies and an eagle over the first twelve holes.
Tyler Wilkes rounded out the lineup for the Gators, posting his third consecutive round under par to finish 5-under and tied for 18th individually – a career best.
Two players tied for individual medalist honors at 11-under 199. Andrew Kozan of Auburn shot a final-round 65 to catch the overnight leader Trent Phillips of the University of Georgia.
Davis Thompson, the current #1 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Amateur Ranking who this week clinched a spot on the U.S. Walker Cup team, finished tied for 11th at 6 under.
Notable
- This is the second win of the season for the Gators and marks the second consecutive Gators Invitational team title.
- Sophomore Yuxin Lin led the Gators for the first time this season, posting a 5-under final round to finish tied for sixth.
- Freshman Joe Pagdin recorded his first collegiate top-10 finish.
- Ricky Castillo carded a 64 in the final round of play, catapulting him into the top-15 individually.
- Finishing in a tie for 18th, Tyler Wilkes carded his best finish of his collegiate career. All five Gators posted scorecards under par in the third round.
- Thanks to Florida Men's Golf for this report.