Dawgs One Win Short

GOLF

The Georgia men’s golf team’s quest for a national title came up short on Sunday as Augusta State defeated the Dawgs 3-2 in the finals of the NCAA Championships at Karsten Creek Golf Course.

The Dawgs got victories from senior Russell Henley and sophomore Bryden Macpherson, each of whom went 3-0 in match play at the NCAAs, but were unable to garner a third decision.

“The guys fought hard and they never gave up,” coach Chris Haack said. “It was a pretty tight match all the way around. I’m proud of these guys. They represented us well. The represented the ‘G’ and everybody should be really proud of them.”

Macpherson got Georgia’s first point as he defeated Olle Bengtsson 6&4. After sophomore T.J. Mitchell fell to Carter Newman 7&5, Henley put Georgia back ahead with a 3&2 decision over Henrik Norlander. Senior Hudson Swafford dropped a 2&1 match to Mitchell Krywulycz, then senior Harris English fell to Patrick Reed 2&1, giving the Jaguars back-to-back NCAA titles.

“We hung in as best we could,” Henley said. “Augusta State is playing really good golf right now, and we knew we’d have to play really good golf against them. We gave it a run. I’m proud of what everybody did to get us here.”

Said Macpherson, “To come into the week without having really contended all year and to give it a run to the final is an effort to be proud of no matter what.”

Sunday’s round marked the final one for Georgia’s seniors, all of whom participated in graduation ceremonies last month in Athens.

“The last four years with these guys, you can’t replace it,” Swafford said. “It’s been a dream come true. A win today would have topped it off for sure, but being in position to win it was still awesome.”

“Our seniors were very important to the team,” Macpherson said. “They mean a lot to the team and the team means a lot to them. I know they’re disappointed and sad, but they can be proud of this week for sure.”