PENSACOLA, Fla. – Playing against several of the top NCAA Division II teams, the Lee University men's golf team settled for an 11th-place finish in the 15-team Argonaut Invitational played at the Pensacola Country Club. In the 54-hole event, the Flames put together rounds of 292-293-296 for a combined 881 total.
Led by tournament medalist Payne Sells (9-under 207), Georgia Southwestern (16-under 848) claimed the team championship. North Georgia (10-under 854) took second place. Oklahoma Christian, West Florida and West Florida B rounded out the top five finishers.
Oliver Lewis-Perkins was the most consistent Lee player both days. On Monday he fired a 2-under par 69 and came back with a 2-over 74. He finished Tuesday's up and down round, which included a pair of eagles and two double bogies for a 73. His even-par 216 total was good enough for an 18th place finish.
Bennett McNabb placed 32nd. He had rounds of 73-70-76 – +4 219. Trey Melvin followed at 73-75-74 - +6 222 and tied for 42nd. Noah Ross carded a 77-74-73 - +8 224 and tied for 53rd. Wyatt Brackett rounded out the Lee scoring, 79-81-79 – 239.
The Flames will regroup and move onto the Gulf South Conference Tournament. The event is slated for April 22 – 24 in Valdosta, Georgia. Lee is familiar with the course, having played at a tourney at the links earlier in the year.
Coach Evan Spence's thoughts:
"Obviously, I'm very frustrated with the performance we put on out there this week. This was always going to be a week where we would get a really good idea of how we stack up against some of the best teams in the country now. It is pretty clear we need some work before post-season ramps up.
"At the end of the day, this reflects back on me as the head coach and I will take full responsibility for not having us prepared the right way coming into this week, but we can rest assured that will not be the case moving forward.
"We are looking forward to getting back to Cleveland and sharpening things back up before conference play."
