Clemson, SC—Jonathan Nielson fired a team best 71 on Wednesday to lead Clemson to a sixth-place finish at the 12 team Watersound Invitational at Shark’s Tooth Golf Club in Panama City, FL. The field included six of the top 20 teams in the nation, including third ranked Vanderbilt who won the three-day 54-hole tournament with an 835 team score.
Clemson was in second place after the first two rounds and stood in second place at 16 under-par just three shots behind Vanderbilt with 13 holes left. But the Tigers struggled on the back nine on Wednesday. The Tigers finished ahead of top 20 teams Mississippi State and Alabama.
Nielsen was the top Tiger for the event with six-under-par score of 210 for the 54 holes. He finished seventh overall, his third top 10 of the season. Nielsen had 15 birdies for the tournament, tied for most in the 75 player field, and the second most birdies he has recorded in a tournament this year.
Kian Rose also finished in the top 25 for the Tigers after shooting one-under-par 215 for three rounds. He had rounds of 72-68-75 to finish in 22nd place, his best finish of the season.
Thomas Higgins shot a 78 on Wednesday after rounds of 72 and 68 on Monday and Tuesday. His 217 total was good enough for 34th place. Alberto Dominquez was Clemson’s second best golfer on Wednesday with a 73. His day included the second eagle of his career. He had 11 birdies over the course of the tournament, second among Clemson golfers. His 218 total was good enough for 37th place.
Andrew Swanson had a 76 on Wednesday to finish with a 225 score, good enough for 62nd place.
Calahan Keever played the tournament as an individual and his 226 total for 54 holes was 64th in the field.
Clemson will next be in action at the Wake Forest Invitational at Pinehurst #2 in Pinehurst, NC March 4-5.
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