CHICAGO – In just the second tournament of the season, the 2019-20 Notre Dame men’s golf team has already tied history. The Fighting Irish claimed the Windon Memorial championship on Tuesday afternoon, defeating 13 other teams (six from a Power Five conference) with a 10-under par.
The victory marked the first time Notre Dame has won back-to-back tournaments featuring fields of 10 or more teams since the 1999-2000 season (and just the second time in program history).
Now, the 1999-00 Irish squad was the first and only in school history to finish first in three events during the same academic year, with six previous teams posting a pair of first-place finishes (1985-86, ’88-’89, ’95-’96, ’96-’97 and ’97-’98, 2010-11).
“One win in college golf is hard to come by, but to get two and to get them back to back is special,” Notre Dame head coach John Handrigan said. “After winning last week, we challenged each other not to get complacent, but to stay motivated and to stick to our goals. I would say this team definitely answered the challenge.”
Senior Hunter Ostrom notched his second straight runner-up finish, coming just one stroke shy of what would have been his second collegiate title. Ostrom finished with a 208 (-5) after carding an even-par 71 on Tuesday.
“Another impressive performance by Hunter who only lost the individual title by one stroke for the second straight tournament,” Handrigan said. “The way he’s playing, I don’t think it will be long until he gets his second college title. I couldn’t be more proud of Hunter, as his game is just at another level right now.”
FINAL ROUND
Ostrom was not the only Irish golfer to finish in the top-five, as Palmer Jackson came in fourth with a 209 (-4). The freshman shot a 69 (-2) today, which included a two-under back-nine.
Both Davis Chatfield and Andrew O’Leary finished in 16th place with a 214 (+1). Chatfield battled back after two early bogeys on both the front and back nine with birdies on seven, eight, 15 and 18 to card an even-par round. In addition, O’Leary carded a final round 73 (+2).
“Palmer has made a huge impact early in his career for our program. A top-five finish in an elite field is outstanding. He’s a pleasure to coach. Also, what a gutty performance today by Davis Chatfield who has the flu. I was uncertain if he was going to be able to play but he came through clutch for this team,” Handrigan added.
Lastly, the Irish are now 32-under par through two tournaments and have won by a combined 19 strokes.
— ND —