RESULTS | Savannah Lakes Invitational Scoreboard Powered by Clippd page
 
McCormick, S.C.----Opening the season in fine form, the No. 6 Wingate University men's golf team delivered a strong performance at the Savannah Lakes Invitational at Monticello Golf Club, finishing second overall at 17-under-par behind a strong USC Aiken squad.
 
The Bulldogs showcased their trademark power on the course, leading the entire tournament field in par-5 scoring at 16-under-par while pacing the field with the most eagles (four). Sophomore Finn Ellis led the way, tying for second place overall with his eight-under-par 208.
 
What They Are Saying
Wingate sophomore student-athlete Finn Ellis
 
"I am very happy with my result this week…this is my best Wingate result by far. Monday was some of the best golf I've played, mostly because of my putter. I enjoyed this experience and hope for similar results for the team as the season progresses."
 
Individual Highlights
 
Ellis played stellar golf all week to finish tied for second individually, opening with six birdies for a four-under-par round, following up with four birdies and an eagle to shoot five-under in round two and closing with a one-over-par round of 73 featuring one birdie. Ellis' second-round 67 and his 54-hole score of 208 are both personal-best efforts.
 
Junior Max Drott put together a strong tournament to finish tied for 15th, opening with two eagles and a birdie to shoot two-under, firing six birdies for a four-under-par second round and adding one birdie in a one-over-par final round of 73. Drott also claimed the individual tournament lead in eagles with two. Drott's second-round 68 and his 54-hole score of 211 are both personal-best efforts.
 
Sophomore Mattia D'Errico capped off a brilliant climb into a tie for 15th after starting with three birdies in round one and four birdies and an eagle for a four-under-par second round. He closed out the tournament in style with a bogey-free, five-under-par third round 67 fueled by five birdies.
 
Sophomore Garrison Welborn battled through the rounds to finish tied for 52nd, highlighted by consistency in round two and an even-par 72 third round featuring three birdies.
 
Sophomore Charles Cirier dialed in during the middle rotation, catching a rhythm with five birdies to finish under par with a one-under-par second round. He concluded his tournament with a final round two-over-par 74.
 
Sophomore Alex Alder, competing as an individual, showed early aggression with five birdies in round one. He had a strong final stanza, posting a one-under-par round of 71 featuring four birdies.
 
Final Round Team Summary
 
The final 18 holes tested the field's composure and Wingate rose to the occasion by mounting a tremendous collective push. Highlighted by D'Errico's flawless, bogey-free five-under-par closing round and steady contributions from Ellis, Drott and Welborn down the stretch, the Bulldogs solidified their standing near the top of the leaderboard.
 
Finishing the 54-hole event at 17-under-par as a team, Wingate secured a stellar runner-up finish to kick off the fall campaign. Dominant ball-striking, a tournament-leading performance on the par-fives (16-under), and an event-best tally in total eagles underscored a highly successful opening week at Monticello Golf Club.
 
Up Next for the No. 6 Bulldogs
 
Wingate will compete in the Lake Lanier Collegiate Classic Monday and Tuesday, September 21-22. The University of North Georgia hosts this event at the Achasta Golf Club in Dahlonega, Georgia.
 
(Editor's note: Wingate senior men's golf student-athlete Matthew Wordon contributed this article. Wordon is an international business major from Bath, England.)