The #2-ranked Dalton State Men's Golf team saved their best for last, firing a (+4, 292) on Sunday in the final round of the Carpet Capital Collegiate. The score would solidify a 12th place finish in the 15 team field of major NCAA Division 1 teams.
All-American S.M. Lee had the round of the day for the Birds, carding a (-1, 71) to finish 14th overall. Along with the rest of the Roadrunners, Lee would begin his round on the back 9. He would get on track quick with birdies at Nos. 11 & 12.
Lee would give a shot back at No.14 with a bogey. He would get the shot back with a birdie at No. 16, but bogey No. 18 to make the turn at (-1). A birdie at No. 1 would give way to a bogey at No. 8 and see Lee finish his tournament strong after a disastrous opening nine on Friday.
Sophomore Ben Rebne would finish strong as well with an (E, 72). After an opening bogey at No. 10, Rebne would go off with an eagle at No. 12, and birdies at Nos. 13 & 16 to push his score to (-3). A double-bogey at No. 18 would see him card an opening nine of 35. Rebne would travel the front 9 trouble-free until a double-bogey at No. 5 dropped him to (+1). He would get one back at No. 7 and par Nos. 8 & 9 to finish out.
Dalton Johnson would have a better day on Sunday, posting a (+2, 74) to finish out his tournament. His opening nine would feature three birdies and four bogeys to make the turn to the front at (+1). He would start the front off hot with a birdie at No. 1, but closing bogeys at No. 2 & 6 saw him come in with a 37.
Senior Chase Cole had another impressive day, ending with a (+3, 75) to notch a Top 30 finish. His round would consist of a birdie at No. 12 and bogeys at Nos. 5, 7, 11, & 16.
Sport Allmond was the last Roadrunner in the clubhouse, carding a (+6, 78). He would find trouble early with a double-bogey at No. 11. He would get a shot back at No. 15, but a bogey, double-bogey, bogey close to the back saw him make the turn at (+5). Allmond would settle down on the front with eight pars and one bogey at No. 5 to close out.
"This was a great step in the right direction with this group, beating an ACC team and some very strong mid-major programs," said DS coach Ben Rickett. "We put together three solid rounds of golf and held our own in one of the strongest fields in the country." He concluded by saying, "This gives me a good indication of where we are at this early in the year and looking forward to the National Championships in May."
The #2 Roadrunners will be back in action on September 25 & 26 when they make the short trip to Valdosta for the Thomas University Fall Invitational at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club.