Gators Win Season Opener at Fighting Irish Classic

Entering the day with a two stroke lead, the Gators finished 21-under par to defeat Georgia Southern (-20), North Carolina (-19) and host Notre Dame (-16) at The Warren Golf Course. The team score ranks fourth lowest by score and tied for 14th in score by par in program history. 

The victory also marked the 16th under head coach J.C. Deacon and six in the last three seasons.

Three Gators in the lineup finished in the top-10, led by Quentin Debove at T5. He went on to set career bests in round (65), tournament score (203) and finish. The junior held the medalist lead at one point as he was tied fourth in the field with 13 birdies.

Both Fred Biondi and John DuBois concluded the first fall test with T9 outings. The duo didn’t shoot a round over par, as Biondi finished low each round. Yuxin Lin ended with his best round of the tournament, a 67 (-3) to jump 22 spots at T17. Ricky Castillo concluded the lineup at T48.

Tyler Wilkes (T13) and Matthew Kress (T26) finished first and second among individuals competing. Wilkes didn’t own a round over par as he sank two eagles and placed 4-under overall. Kress sat at even for the tournament as he fired two rounds under par in his collegiate debut.       

The fall slate continues with three straight weeks of action at the OFCC/Fighting Illini Invitational (Sept. 16-18), SEC Match Play (Sept. 25-27) and the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational (Oct. 3-4).

  

Quotable 

Head Coach J.C. Deacon… 

“Thank you to Coach John Handrigan and his staff at Notre Dame. It was our first time playing their event and it was fantastic. The condition of the golf course, tournament experience, and field were all exceptional. Can’t ask for more than that. 

“Our Gators played some great golf. Top to bottom in the lineup and got a contribution from everyone. To shoot 21 under on that golf course is strong. I’m proud of them and happy to see all the smiles. 

“I also couldn’t be happier for Quentin Debove. He had his best collegiate finish this week and really carried us. When we get a top five from our five man in the lineup we should be pretty tough. 

“We still have tons to work on. Made too many double bogeys today, but thankfully clutched up down the…