
Carolina's O'Connell Ties For 19th At NCAA NE Regional
May 16, 2009 | Men's Golf
May 16, 2009
GALLOWAY, N.J. -
University of North Carolina golfer Kevin O'Connell fired a even par 71 for an 11-over 224 total to tie for 19th place at the NCAA Northeast Regional. That was not good enough, however, to qualify O'Connell for a spot at the NCAA Championship.
O'Connell, a senior All-ACC performer from Cary, N.C., fired an eagle on the par-5 11th hole (his second hole). He proceeded to play the back nine (his front nine) in one-under and then played the front nine at one-over for his even par 71 score.
Alabama fired a two-over-par 286 on Saturday to capture the team title with a 22-over 874 total. The Crimson Tide finished four strokes ahead of Tennessee, the leader after the first two rounds, which carded a 278 total. The other three teams that advance on to the NCAA Championship later this month are Illinois (887), Virginia (889) and Wake Forest (890).
Hunter Hamrick of Alabama fired a four-under 67 in the final round to come from behind to capture the individual title with a one-under 212 total. David Holmes of Tennessee also carded a 67 on Saturday to finish one stroke back in second place at 213. Three players tied for third place at four-over 217 - Alabama's Bud Cauley, Kent State's John Hahn and Clemson's Kyle Stanley.
The 54-hole event was played at Galloway National Golf Club which features a par 71, 7,022-yard layout. The top five teams and the top individual not on those five teams advance on to the NCAA Championship to be played May 27-30 in Toledo, Ohio.