Feb. 12, 2011
TAMPA BAY, Fla. – The 26th-ranked University of Notre Dame men’s golf team defeated Campbell at The Match Play Saturday at the TPC of Tampa Bay to earn a share of fifth-place. The Irish tied Campbell, 2.5-2.5, but advanced via tiebreak after winning by a total of six holes to Campbell’s five. Notre Dame ended the tournament with an overall record of 2-1.
The bottom of the Irish lineup led the charge, as the third through fifth positions notched two wins and one halve. Sophomore Paul McNamara III (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.) made quick work of Ben Polland to give the Irish their first point, posting a 4-and-3 decision as the team’s No. 5 golfer.
Niall Platt (Santa Barbara, Calif.), golfing as the team’s No. 4, earned a 2-and-1 victory over Mitch Gray, while Max Scodro (Chicago, Ill.), for the second consecutive match, battled his opponent, Amanjyot Singh, to a halve from the No. 3 position.
Tom Usher (Bradford, England), golfing again as the team’s No. 1, struggled in his final round, dropping a 4-and-2 decision to Campbell’s Matt Moot.
Chris Walker (The Woodlands, Texas) also fell at the No. 2 position to Vaita Guillaume. The two golfers entered the 18th hole all square, but the Irish junior dropped the hole to lose the match, one down.
Notre Dame and St. John’s did not play in the fifth-place match with daylight becoming an issue and instead shared fifth in the tournament. Kennesaw State went on to win the overall title, defeating Ball State in the championship match, 3-2.
The Irish now enjoy nearly a month off before returning to the course March 5 at the Alumni Matches at Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.
–ND–