May 22, 2004

FURMAN MEN FINISH 18TH AFTER FINAL ROUND 317

SUNRIVER, Oregon -- The Furman Paladin golf team followed up rounds of 299-294 with a final round 317 Saturday at Sunriver’s Crosswater Course, and placed 18th in the NCAA West Regional, with a three-round 910 total.

Senior Buddy Davis paced the Paladins on Saturday with a four over 76, and tied for 33rd overall with a 222 total. Fellow senior Matt Davidson finished in a tie for 57th at 225 after a final round 81, while sophomore Shane Birckbichelr placed 95th following a final round 80. Junior Rob Langley was the Paladins’ non-counter on Saturday with an 82, while T.J. Blandford contributed a 79 to the Furman effort.

Furman’s 18th-place finish means the Paladins did not earn a berth in the NCAA Championships, June 1-4, in Hot Springs, Va. UCLA, winner of the 2004 women’s golf National Championship, also won the men’s NCAA West Region. The Paladins missed a top 10 finish by 25 strokes.

Furman Results
T18th Furman Team 299-294-317=910

Furman Individuals
T33rd Buddy Davis 76-70-76=222
T57th Matt Davidson 72-72-81=225
T95th Shane Birckbichler 77-75-80=232
T103rd Rob Langley 74-77-82=233
T124th T.J. Blandford 79-81-79=239