Redshirt-junior Michael Bernard rolls a putt towards the hole during one of OSU’s matches in 2014. Credit: Courtesy of OSU Athletics
Ohio State men’s golf returned from the West Coast after an underwhelming outing at the season-opening Carmel Cup tournament.
Hosted by the Vanderbilt Commodores at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California, the Buckeyes teed-off against eight teams, including four ranked in the top-20 at the 54-hole tournament.
While navigating one of the premier golf courses in the nation, the Buckeyes, under the leadership of new coach Jay Moseley for the first time, tied for last place with the Arkansas Razorbacks, finishing with a total score of 1107 (+27) at the three-day event.
The Buckeyes placed sixth after the first round with a total score of 372 (+12) before finishing seventh in the final two days.
Junior Clark Engle and redshirt senior Grant Weaver entered the clubhouse with four birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey on their card. Freshman Will Grimmer played solid for his collegiate debut, carding two birdies and three.
The team’s total score was comprised of the top five scores out of its six-man lineup. The five scores that counted for the Scarlet and Gray were Grimmer’s 217 (+1), Engle’s 218 (+2), Sean Busch’s 223 (+7), Weaver’s 228 (+12) and Josh Wick’s 229 (+13), excluding freshman Tee-k Kelly’s score of 234 (+18).
Engle, along with Grimmer, shined throughout the tournament. By the final day, Engle, who tied for 16th, recorded 14 birdies — second-most of the tournament — including six in the final round. Engle was one of 10 players who carded an 18 hole score of 69.
Grimmer made the most of his debut.
During the second round of his first collegiate tournament, he churned in a 4-under 68, which was the lowest round for any player during the three days of competition.
He entered the final day in contention for the individual title, as he was only two shots off the lead.
Grimmer was unable to capture the individual crown after shooting a 4-over par 76 during the final round. However, the freshman still finished the tournament in a tie for 10th place.
The Buckeyes now turn their focus to the Inverness Intercollegiate, which is set to take place on Sept. 21 at Inverness Country Club in Toledo.
