Michigan
Kepler Invitational
U-M Misses Kepler Intercollegiate Title by Two Shots
4/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The University of Michigan men's golf team just missed capturing its second team title of the season as the Wolverines finished third at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate today (Sunday, April 15) at Ohio State's Scarlet Course.
The Wolverines, who led by one shot over Northwestern after Saturday's opening 36 holes, fired a 306 in the final round to finish at 895 (292-297-306), two shots behind the host Buckeyes, who shot 297 Sunday to jump from a tie for fourth to the team title at 893 (298-298-297). The Wildcats (295-295-304/894) edged out Michigan for second.
Andy Matthews (Ada, Mich./Forest Hills Central HS) and David Nichols (Rochester, Mich./Adams HS) both finished with career-best tournaments. Matthews matched his career-best finish as he tied for third after firing rounds of 74-71-75 for a season-best 220 tournament total. Nichols opened up with a career-best round of 70 and followed it with rounds of 78 and 75 for a career-best 223 total and tie for ninth place, his best career finish.
As for the rest of the Wolverines, Andrew Chapman (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc HS) tied for 30th (74-76-79/229); Scott Carlton (Brighton, Mich./Brighton HS) tied for 35th (74-79-77/230) and Scott Hayes (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester HS) tied for 52nd (82-72-81/235).
After a week off for final exams, the Wolverines will wrap up the regular tournament schedule with a trip to East Lansing, Mich., for the Fossum Invitational, Saturday and Sunday (April 28-29) at Forest Akers West Golf Course.
Final Team Standings
1. Ohio State 298-298-297 = 893 2. Northwestern 295-295-304 = 894 3. MICHIGAN 292-297-306 = 895 4. Kent State 303-289-307 = 899 5. Michigan State 300-300-301 = 901 6. Purdue 298-301-304 = 903 7. Miami (Ohio) 300-296-310 = 906 8. Wisconsin 302-297-314 = 913 Notre Dame 296-309-308 = 913 10. Marshall 305-297-321 = 923 11. Iowa 316-303-305 = 924 12. Toledo 313-306-306 = 925 13. Bowling Green State 311-305-322 = 938 14. Illinois 313-303-324 = 940 Ball State 309-319-312 = 940 Akron 304-316-320 = 940 17. Indiana 316-315-317 = 948
Top Individuals
1. Luke Donald, Northwestern 71-69-72 = 212 (-1) 2. Kevin Hall, Ohio State 76-70-73 = 219 3. ANDY MATTHEWS, U-M 74-71-75 = 220 Lee Williamson, Purdue 73-73-74 = 220 5. Jon Mills, Kent State 77-68-76 = 221 6. Mike Austin, Ohio State 71-74-77 = 222 Dennis Riedel, Michigan State 68-77-77 = 222 Jeff Olson, Ohio State* 74-70-78 = 222 9. DAVID NICHOLS, U-M 70-78-75 = 223 Lee Curry, Miami (Ohio) 75-70-78 = 223 Brad Heaven, Toledo 72-77-74 = 223 Tom Johnson, Northwestern 73-72-78 = 223 * competed as an individual
Other Michigan Scores
T30. Andrew Chapman 74-76-79 = 229 T35. Scott Carlton 74-79-77 = 230 T52. Scott Hayes 82-72-81 = 235
N O T E S
Junior Andy Matthews tied his career-best finish by tying for third at the Kepler Intercollegiate. Earlier this season Matthews finished tied for third at the Wolverine South Invitational (March 3-4). In addition, Matthews' 54-hole total of 220 was a season best. He bettered his 221 total from the Northern Intercollegiate (Sept. 30-Oct. 1).
Freshman David Nichols had a career day at the Kepler Intercollegiate. Nichols fired a career-best 70 in the first round, bettering his 73 fired in the first round of the Northern Intercollegiate (Sept. 30-Oct. 1). Nichols also had a career-best total of 223, bettering his 228 fired at the Northern Intercollegiate. Finally, his tie for ninth at the Kepler also was a career best, bettering his tie for 24th at the Wolverine South (March 3-4).
Contact: Tom Wywrot (734) 763-4423
