ROCKY FACE, Ga.---The Chattanooga Mocs came out with something to prove Sunday morning over the final 18 holes of the Carpet Collegiate. The group did just that turning in a 5-over par 293 on a tough scoring day at the Farm.
That shot them past Virginia finishing 13th in the prestigious event. The Mocs registered 906 for their 54 holes.
“I thought they felt like there was something to prove,” Coach Mark Guhne said.
“Especially the three young guys who haven’t been in this kind of competition that much if at all. The three of them have figured out how to play in a big-time atmosphere.
“They matured a lot this week under difficult circumstances. Really embraced the challenge and kept getting better. They knew they were better than what was shown the first two days, so they went out and did it.
The 293 was anchored by A.J. Lintunen’s 3-under 69. He turned in four birdies and 13 pars against a solitary bogey. It was a career-low card that gave his best 54-hole total of 6-over 222 and finish tying for 25th.
Lintunen was supported by Matt Smith’s 71. The sophomore transfer from Wallace State Community College posted all the fireworks with an eagle and five birdies. Moritz Lammel and Oliver Simonsen round out the counters with 75 and 78, respectively. Will Porter had the drop tally of 79.
“Couldn’t be more excited for A.J.,” Guhne added. “We knew he was capable of being as good as he wants to be; the last two years have been a struggle with injuries. It was also great to see Matt get that first under par number today. All three of them including Mo got us up the leaderboard a spot.
“We know what to expect from Oliver and Will moving forward, not worried about them because they’ve proven what they can do. The other three get you excited because they’re starting to prove it as well.
“We’ll get back to work for UAB right away,” Guhne concluded. “Qualifying will be interesting.”
Georgia Tech (861) ran away with the title. The Yellow Jackets topped a trio in runner-up position by 20. They were led by medalist Luke Schneiderjans who won by five at 9 under.
LINEUP
T25) A.J. Lintunen: 77-76-69=222 (+6)
T37) Matt Smith: 78-77-71=226 (+10)
T45) Moritz Lammel: 77-76-75=228 (+12)
T54) Will Porter: 74-78-79=231 (+15)
75) Oliver Simonsen: 81-80-78=239 (+23)
3 NOTES TO KNOW
- The Mocs day was bettered in large part in their play on holes 16-18. That treacherous trio was played at level par (4.00) today. The previous two rounds? +13 (4.8125).
- In addition to the numbers mentioned above on Lintunen’s day, the 69 is his first career par or better card in 18 rounds.
- Today’s 293 is the lowest Mocs team score at the Farm since an even-par 288 to complete the 2017 event.
COURSE
The Farm - Par 72 – 7,178 yards
DATES/TEE TIMES (ET)
Monday (Sept. 23) – TBA shotgun start | 36-hole day at UAB Collegiate (Greystone C.C./Birmingham)
Tuesday – Final Round | TBA based on Monday’s results.
HISTORY
2007: T9th/299-294-293=886 (+22) | Derek Rende, T10, 75-72-69=216 (E)
2008: 1st/291-283-290=864 (E) | Jonathan Hodge, T2, 71-72-70=213 (-3)
2009: 2nd/291-284-288=863 (-1) | Stephan Jaeger, T3, 74-66-71=211 (-5)
2010: 8th/290-285-305=880 (+16) | Steven Fox, T7, 69-69-75=213 (-3)
2011: 6th/287-287-290=864 (E) | Benni Weilguni, 2, 72-67-71=210 (-6)
2012: 7th/292-286-297=875 (+11) | Liam Johnston, T11, 70-70-74=214 (-2)
2013: 14th/306-296-297=899 (+35) | Davis Bunn, T27, 71-74-75=220 (+4)
2014: 10th/291-282-293=866 (+2) | Liam Johnston, T10, 76-66-70=212 (-4)
2015: T12th/305-306-302=913 (+49) | Wes Gosselin, 6, 71-74-71=216 (E)
2016: 13th/299-299-292=898 (+34) | Wes Gosselin, T30, 73-74-71=218 (+2)
2017: 13th/314-290-288=892 (+28) | Luke Long, T24, 77-71-69=217 (+1)
2018: 14th/295-294-306=895 (+31) | Will Porter, T34, 74-70-76=220 (+4)