May 29, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina men’s golf team shot a three-round score of 955 to finish 29th at the NCAA Championships at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Okla. The NCAA committee implemented a cut after the third round of competition due to the length of time it was taking for teams to complete each round. The top 18 teams and top six individuals advanced to the final round of competition.

During Thursday’s round sophomore Alex Hamilton blasted an eagle on the 18th hole, which was a par 5. Hamilton finished the day with an even-par 72. His three-day total of 231 was second on the team.

Freshman Eirik Johansen led the Gamecocks with a three-round score of 229 (75-80-74). The First Team All-SEC member concludes the season with the team’s low stroke average.

Martin Rominger finished third on the team with a three-round score of 241. Nash Elliot shot 258, while West Streib posted 260.

The Gamecocks, playing in their second NCAA Championships in three years, concluded the season today and looks forward to a great future – the Gamecocks return all five starters from the SEC and NCAA Championships.

“Our performance yesterday should not taint the success we had this season,” stated Head Coach Puggy Blackmon. “Getting to the finals of the NCAAs was an accomplishment. In the 19 tournaments (NCAA) I have been a part of, this was the toughest course I have seen. This was a great learning experience and today’s round should give us the momentum we need to build on for next year.”

Team GamecocksEirik Johansen       75-80-74=229Alex Hamilton        79-80-72=231Martin Rominger      76-82-83=241Nash Elliott         83-89-86=258West Streib          89-89-82=260