Mocs Advance to NCAA Finals

STILLWATER, Okla.—The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s golf team discovered that the third time is definitely the charm. Making its third straight regionals appearance, Chattanooga advanced to the NCAA Finals by virtue of finishing third in the South Central Regional at Karsten Creek Golf Club.

“I am pretty speechless,” said coach Mark Guhne. “To come this far, this fast … I am just so happy for our seniors (Jonathan Hodge and Ben Rickett). They have been there from the start with me and we would not be going anywhere without them.

“This was a team win,” added Guhne who is in his fourth year as the Mocs mentor. “Everyone contributed at least two rounds and we found a way to survive and advance on a tough, tough golf course.”

The Mocs shot a final round 309 (+21) to complete their 54 holes at 907. No. 4 Oklahoma State was the runaway winner shooting 17-over par 881 with a final round 296.

No. 9 Arkansas came in second at 903 (+39), just four ahead of UTC. No. 16 TCU shot 914 (+50) to tie for fourth with Northwestern for the last two berths into the final at 914 (+50). The duo finish just three shots clear of No. 21 LSU at 917. Baylor’s Cody Paladino and LSU’ John Peterson were in a playoff to join the five teams as the low individual on a non-advancing team.

Fredrik Qvicker’s 75 (+3) led the Mocs on this day. He did so with a birdie-less round scoring 15 pars and three bogeys playing steady golf the entire day. Qvicker finished tied for 21st at 227 (+11).

Jonathan Hodge and Derek Rende were two and three for Chattanooga. Hodge played his final 18 at four-over par 76, while Rende was one shot behind him at 77 (+5). Each had two birdies with Hodge’s coming on two and 11, while Rende registered his on one and 11. Rende tied for 46th at 236 (+20), while Hodge tied for 60th with a 241 (+25).

Ben Rickett and Stephan Jaeger had off days, but battled hard throughout to keep the Mocs in prime position. Rickett shot 81 (+9), while Jaeger came in at 83 (+11). The duo finished tied for low UTC golfer in 13th at 226 (+10).

The NCAA Finals is May 26-30 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. There will be 54 holes of stroke play in which 30 teams will be pared down to the top eight finishers which advance to match play. Two days of match play will determine the NCAA Champion.

“We are not going there just to show up and say we’ve been there,” said Guhne. “We are going there with a purpose. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the effort this week.”