Georgia wins Linger Longer for second victory of the spring

In cool temperatures and under cloudy skies, Georgia logged a team victory at the Linger Longer Invitational. The Bulldogs have come on strong this spring, and this is title No. 2 in the second half of the season.

Georgia bumped Alabama out of the top spot with a final-round 11-under 277 at the Landing at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Ga. It was Georgia’s lowest round of the week by seven shots and took the Bulldogs to 19 under for the tournament.

Georgia started the day tied for second with Liberty, but outscored the Flames by six on the final day and won by six. Liberty players combed to go 13 under in second, and first-round leader Louisville was 10 under in third.

The Bulldogs got a big boost from individual medalist Spencer Ralston, who had rounds of 70-69-66 for a three-shot victory. Teammate Trevor Phillips was right behind him in second. Phillips also had a final-round 66. Phillips’ younger brother Trent finished T-15.

"We were focused throughout and we cleaned some things up along the way to give ourselves a chance," said Georgia head coach Chris Haack. "I am so happy for Spencer as well. He has been a tremendous ambassador for Georgia golf during his career, so it's great that he can add this to his resume. This team has really come together and found great chemistry, and I'm looking forward to seeing how we fare coming down the stretch."

As for second-round leader Alabama, a final-round 7-over 295 bumped the Crimson Tide all the way to fourth, five shots back. Still, it’s by far the best team finish the team has logged in the spring season, since senior standout Davis Riley turned professional.

Information from Georgia Athletics used in this report