The Chattanooga Mocs men’s golf team ended up third at the Southern Conference Men’s Golf Championship at Pinehurst National No. 9 today. The Mocs shot 876 for their 54 holes trailing ETSU and UNCG which tied at 2 under to go into a playoff. Coach Mark Guhne was not happy with the finish, but he learned something important heading into 2015-16.
“I have some fighters coming back,” Guhne stated. “Our backs were against the wall, but they came out and battled to the end. We’re obviously disappointed, but there is a lot to build on.”
Ewan Scott had Chattanooga’s low 18 of the tournament firing a 3-under 69. It matched the low round of the day with ETSU Adrian Meronik and UNCG’s duo of Jake McGlone and Josh Stockwell.
“I’m really proud of Ewan,” Guhne added. “Today was a challenge and he really stepped up.”
Wes Gosselin led the way tying for fifth with a 1-under 215. Liam Johnston tied for 12th at 2-over 218, one ahead of Scott in 14th. Brooks Thomas and Andrew Weathers tied for 24th at 227.
Today’s 4-over par total of 292 came from Scott, Gosselin, Johnston and Thomas. Scott’s 69 paced the squad with Gosselin’s 72 close behind. Johnston had a 2-over 74, with Thomas rounding the total out with a 77.
ETSU won the event in a playoff by one shot over the Spartans. The Bucs held off a strong charge as UNCG shot 7-under 281 over the final 18. It came down to the final hole with both Meronik and Jake McGlone missing the green. McGlone dropped a 25’ par effort followed by Meronik from four feet.
ETSU parred out on the playoff hole, No. 18, while the Spartans had a bogey to end it.
J.T. Poston of Western Carolina repeated as individual champion with a playoff birdie topping Meronik. The duo shot 9-under 207 clearing Jake McGlone (UNCG) in third by four.
Weathers earned SoCon Freshman of the Year. He’s the third Moc to be honored with the award joining Derek Rende (2007) and Stephan Jaeger (2009). Johnston made the all-conference squad for the second year in a row. Meronik garnered conference player of the year honors, while ETSU’s Fred Warren was tabbed coach of the year.