Vanderbilt edges Florida, defends title at Gator Invitational

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.