The second-ranked Alabama men’s golf team cruised to a 10-shot victory and sophomore Justin Thomas won medalist honors Sunday in the final round of the Schenkel Invitational on the par-72, 6,947-yard Forest Heights Country Club.
It was Thomas’ sixth career tournament victory, breaking a tie with former Tide and PGA Tour great Steve Lowery. His record-setting win came in just his 20th career tournament. Lowery’s previous mark of five was set in 44 career tournament starts.
The Crimson Tide carded a 3-under-par round of 285 on Sunday to finish at 16-under-par 848, 10 shots ahead of Texas, who shot 5-over 293. North Florida moved past Florida for third place with a 5-under round. The Gators finished at 9-over 873 in fourth with Central Florida fifth at 877.
“I am really proud of the guys and their efforts this weekend,” Alabama head coach Jay Seawell said. “It was a difficult prep week with the quick turnaround from the Southern Highlands Masters in Las Vegas. It was good to see the team manage difficult situations and find a way to win here this weekend.”
Thomas, from Goshen, Ky., shot 70 on Sunday for a 9-under 207 and a three shot victory over the Longhorn’s Brandon Stone (-6, 210).
UA junior Bobby Wyatt finished tied for third place at 5-under 211 after a 1-under 71 in the final round.
“Justin has struggled a little this year, not bad, but he hasn’t been spot on,” Seawell said. “He really worked hard this week to get back to basics – just back to being himself. It was great to be able to see him get the fruit from his labor, but there is still some work to do.”
Junior Cory Whitsett finished seventh at 3-under 213 after carding an even-par 72 on Sunday as all five Tide golfers were within three shots of each other. Scott Strohmeyer also shot 72 and was The Tide’s final counting score. Strohmeyer tied for 22nd individually at 4-over 220. Tom Lovelady’s 73 was dropped from Alabama’s score in the final round, and he finished tied for 30 at 6-over 222.
The Tide has now won back-to-back team titles at the Schenkel Invitational Alabama returns to action next weekend looking to win its third straight Linger Longer Invitational title.
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