SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. --- The Georgia men's golf team placed 17th in the NCAA Championships on Sunday at Grayhawk Golf Club.
Playing the par-70, 7,289-yard layout, the Bulldogs posted a 12-over 292 to wind up at 33-over 873. Georgia was unable to advance to the fourth round as the 30-team field was trimmed in half Sunday. The Bulldogs missed the coveted 15th spot — which will be decided by a playoff between Georgia Tech and TCU on Monday — by a single stroke. Oklahoma State is in position to finish in the top spot at 12-under 828, which is 13 clear of Oklahoma. Following Monday’s competition, the top eight will advance to match play.
Georgia senior Davis Thompson and junior Trent Phillips were able to extend their stay as they landed among the nine individuals on teams not advancing. The Georgia players stand 34th at 5-over 215 after Phillips posted a 3-under 67 on Sunday and Thompson signed for a 2-over 72. Thompson and Phillips will tee off on Monday following the Georgia Tech-TCU playoff, which starts at 10:30 a.m. EDT. Monday’s round will be the last one of Thompson’s collegiate career.
“Our goal was to come here this week and leave with the national title, so we’re disappointed,” Georgia head coach Chris Haack said. “But I know this will not be the lasting memory I have of this team. They gave us everything we asked of them and more. They were tremendous representatives of our school and our sport, and I’m proud of everything they did on and off the course this season. This is a special group. I’m happy that DT and Trent get more lap around the track, too. We’re excited to see them out there one last time.”
The Bulldogs also got a 6-over 76 from fifth-year player and former Gainesville standout Spencer Ralston, while junior Eli Scott and sophomore Connor Creasy each carded a 7-over 77. Creasy placed 90th at 11-over 221, followed by Ralston in 97th at 12-over 222, and Scott in 147th at 25-over 235. Ralston capped his collegiate career having appeared in 51 of a possible 52 tournaments, including 43 straight beginning his freshman season.
