March 20, 2010
BETHANY BEACH, Del - The Mizzou men's golf team set a school record with a three-round total of 820 and claimed the tournament title at the George Washington Invitational in Bethany Beach, Del. It is the second team championship for the Tigers during the 2009-10 season and they have finished in the top two of each of their two spring tournaments.
After carding rounds of 278 and 272 on Friday, Missouri turned in a round of 270 in Saturday's final round. The 54-hole score of 820 surpassed the old school record of 824 set at the 2005 Belmont Invitational.
The Tigers claimed the top three spots in the individual standings and five of the top six places led by sophomore Chris Johnson who claimed medalist honors. He shot rounds of 66, 68 and 65 for a three-round total of 199, which tied the school record originally set by Chris Mabry at the 2005 Belmont. Johnson's final round 65 tied for third best ever at MU. Johnson's previous career best was a 72 and his highest finish prior to this weekend was sixth place.
Junior William Harrold took runner-up honors with a three-round score of 205 with round of 72, 67 and 66. Freshman Stuart Ballingall finished third with a 54-hole total of 207 (69-66-72) and sophomore Jace Long tied for fifth place with a 211 score (71-71-69). Freshman Michael Garden tied for 17th place with a 219 score.
Missouri's 820 score was 32 shots ahead of second-place finisher, Yale and 57 ahead of third-place Towson.
MU will stay on the east coast, taking part in the First Market Intercollegiate in Williamsburg, Va. starting on Monday.