The Southeast Region wrapped up their regular season tournaments at Greenwood Country Club this past weekend, October 26th & 27th. The course measured 6800 yards, and played to a rating of 73.3 and slope of 132. Conditions were ripe for scoring both days with the course playing very fair. The weather was desirable, with sunshine Saturday and some cloud cover Sunday. Temperatures ranged from the 50s to 70s. There were eight teams from the region that participated in the tournament: Clemson, College of Charleston, Emory, Furman, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State, and South Carolina.
Following the completion of play Saturday, Georgia 391 (+31) had a four shot lead over Clemson 395 (+35), with Furman 399 (+39) sitting four shots behind Clemson. South Carolina 401 (+41) was fourth, followed by College of Charleston 419 (+59), Georgia Tech 420 (+60), Kennesaw State 440 (+80), and Emory 456 (+96). Andrew Carber of Clemson and Matt Youmans of Georgia had a one shot lead over Ryan Walker of South Carolina after the pair fired 75s (+3). Jaleel Adatia of Furman was fourth after a 76 (+4), and Johnny Garstka of Clemson was fifth following a first round 77 (+5). There was a three-way tie for sixth as Chad Andrews (Georgia), Taylor Simonsen (Furman), and Kieran Suri (College of Charleston) each shot 78 (+6).
Competition was fierce the second day, as Clemson and Georgia were going head to head for the tournament title as well as an automatic bid to nationals at Myrtle Beach in the coming weeks. Georgia ultimately showed their consistency and depth, holding on for a narrow three shot victory over Clemson. Final team scores following the second day of play were: Georgia 781 (+61), Clemson 784 (+64), South Carolina 790 (+70), Furman 798 (+78), Georgia Tech 836 (+116), Kennesaw State 861 (+141), College of Charleston 868 (+148), Emory 900 (+180). In the individual tournament, Andrew Carber followed up his first round 75 (+3) with a 73 (+1) to claim medalist honors with a two-day total of 148 (+4). Ryan Walker of South Carolina finished second with a two-day total of 150 (+6). Johnny Garstka of Clemson finished third after a second round 75, to finish at 152 (+8). Chad Andrews (Georgia) finished in fourth at 154 (+10), Matt Youmans (Georgia) was solo fifth at 155 (+11). There was a two-way tie for sixth as Ethan Lambert, our medalist at Crescent Pointe (Georgia) and Taylor Simonsen (Furman) both posted a two-day total of 156 (+12). Pat Andrie (Georgia) and Adam Pearson (South Carolina) tied for eighth after each posted a two-day total of 157 (+13).
In conclusion, Georgia showed they are a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons, as they swept the team titles this fall. Clemson showed their consistency as well, taking second at both tournaments. The Tigers have now finished second at four straight regional tournaments. They are knocking on the door and are currently sitting 11th in the national adjusted scoring average standings. Georgia claimed the region’s automatic bid to nationals, which will be held November 16th & 17th at Barefoot Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Clemson is positioned well for a wildcard spot at Barefoot, but will wait for the conclusion of the regional tournaments this weekend before booking their travel plans.