The No. 13 Alabama men’s golf team took the top spot in the 2016 Puerto Rico Classic after posting a total of 25-under at the tournament. The Crimson Tide finished out the competition by jumping out to and retaining a nine-stroke lead.
Alabama was led by junior Robby Shelton, who fired a 7-under par 65 during Tuesday’s final 18 holes and claimed medalist honors with a tournament total of 11-under par 205 (70-70-65). This is Shelton’s third tournament title of the season, and the sixth of his career.
Sophomore Jonathan Hardee closed out the tournament with a 10-under, and claimed second-place, a career-best finish.
“It’s great to get off to a good start to the spring season,” coach Jay Seawell said. “Everybody did a great job in preparation here. I am really proud of how the team responded today. We won the day with the lead. Robby was terrific today and I thought Jonathan really pushed him. I am proud with how the two of them played and how Robby played with the lead.”
Freshman Davis Riley tied for 11th overall with a 3-under, and sophomore Tyler Hitchner finished 1-under. Those scores gave the Crimson Tide four top-25 golfers who finished under par for the tournament.
Alabama finished nine strokes ahead of second place finisher No. 11 Clemson . Georgia, ranked 14th in the nation entering the event finished in 3rd place.
The Crimson Tide has now won three consecutive tournament titles for the first time since winning three straight during the spring of 2014. Alabama will return to action on March 7 when it competes at the Southern Highlands Collegiate Masters in Las Vegas, Nevada.