Arkansas State Men’s Golf Closes Jackrabbit Invitational

Courtesy Arkansas State University Athletics Department

PRIMM, Nev. (3/12/13) – The Arkansas State men’s golf team closed out play at the Jackrbabbit Invitational with a final-round 290 on Tuesday, completing the two-day tournament with a combined 878 that placed it eighth among 14 teams.

A-State’s third-round 290 and total 878 shot on the Primm Valley Golf Club’s Desert course both matched its lowest scores of the season. The Red Wolves also finished their second round, which was suspended due to darkness yesterday, this morning with a 291 as they climbed one place in the final standings after ending the first round tied for ninth.

Freshman Seth Garner finished a season-best 13th with a combined 215 to lead Arkansas State. After recording a 74 and 73 for the first and second rounds, respectively, Garner carded a third-round 68 that was the lowest score by ASU player this season.

Joining Garner among the top-20 individuals for ASU was junior Easton Key, who collected his best finish since winning the Bill Ross Intercollegiate back in October. Key posted a season-best 217, which included rounds of 72, 74 and 71, to end the tournament tied for 20th place.

“Obviously, I was very excited with Seth Garner’s play,” said A-State head coach Steve Johnson. “He has improved every tournament. He finished with an eagle and birdie on his last two holes to cap off a 68, so he played very well. I was glad to have Easton back in the lineup and that helped – he has been a solid all-around performer for us.

“We had some guys that had a round get away from them at the end, so we’ve got to do a better job taking advantage of solid rounds by finishing strong. Our guys definitely gave a great effort and we were able to shake a little bit of the rust off playing in some nice weather.”

Chance Holden finished tied for 30th place with a 219, which included a season-low 70 for the second 18 holes. Also competing for ASU, Matt Howton shot a 228 to tie for 57th place and Sean Brock turned in a 235 to end the tournament in 73rd.

The Red Wolves finished just four strokes behind seventh-place North Dakota State, while Air Force claimed the tournament title with an 828. Idaho was runner-up with an 841 and host South Dakota State claimed third place with an 855.

Arkansas State returns to action March 25-26 at the Memphis Intercollegiate.

ARKANSAS STATE RESULTS

PLACE, NAME (RD 1-RD 2-RD 3–TOTAL)

8, Arkansas State (297-291-290–878)

13, Seth Garner (74-73-68–215)

T20, Easton Key (72-74-71–217)

T30, Chance Holden (76-70-73–219)

T57, Matt Howton (75-74-79–228)

73, Sean Brock (78-79-78–235)