Wingate University graduate student
Benedict Gebhardt (Wiesbaden, Germany) earned his second medalist trophy in as many events, taking the top spot in the 14th annual J. Ralph Hargett Memorial Intercollegiate tournament. The Bulldogs claimed third place on the Hargett team leader board. Wingate hosts the annual event at the National Golf Club in Pinehurst (par 72, 6632 yards). Twelve teams and 69 student-athletes participated in this year's event.
Gebhardt and the other 68 competitors battled rain, sleet and hail during the second round. Gebhardt finished the two-day, 36-hole event with a two-over-par 146. He shot a second-round 75 to go with his first-round 71. Gebhardt led the tournament with 27 pars.
Previously, Gebhardt earned medalist honors at the 2014 Richard Rendleman Invitational, hosted by Catawba College at the par-71, 6,665-yard Country Club of Salisbury. Gebhardt shot a two-under-par 69 Tuesday to complete the two-day, 36-hole event at 142. After 36 holes, Gebhardt and Queens junior Alex Weare (Manchester, England) were tied at 142. Gebhardt earned the medalist trophy on the first play-off hole with an eight-foot sliding putt.
On the season, Gebhardt leads the Bulldogs with his 72.5 strokes per round average. He has five top five finishes, six top 10 showings and seven top 20 appearances. Next on the horizon for Wingate is the UNC Pembroke Campbell Oil Classic March 31 and April 1. The UNCP event will conclude the regular season for the Bulldogs.
