Sept. 23, 2008

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2008 Shoal Creek Final Results

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB senior Zack Sucher earned co-medalist honors with a tournament total of two-under par 214 to lead his team to a third-pace finish at the fourth annual Shoal Creek Intercollegiate. The Blazers finished with a team score of 890 (301-294-295), 10 strokes behind tournament champion Baylor, who is the fourth different team to earn the tournament crown in the event's history.

The Bears won the team title with a 16-over par 880 (288-293-299), two strokes ahead of second-place Ole Miss, who finished with a 18-over par 882 (298-294-290). After shooting a season-high 301 during Monday's opening round, the Blazers bounced back over their final 36 holes, recording a 294 in round two, followed by a 295 in round three. They finished eight strokes behind Ole Miss in third. Conference USA rival Tulsa was fourth overall at 892, while East Tennessee State rounded out the top five with an 893.

"This was a terrific tournament," UAB head coach Alan Kaufman said. "Once again, it went down to the last couple of holes. I am very proud of the way we competed, especially over the last two rounds."

Sucher played a consistent final round, collecting three birdies and four bogeys over the final 18 holes. He finished the day with a one-over 73. During Monday's opening two rounds, Sucher shot an even par 72, followed by a three-under par 69 during the second round of play.

Sucher, who finished second in last year's Shoal Creek Intercollegiate, tied East Tennessee State's Rhys Enoch (74-69-71) for co-medalist honors. The duo finished four strokes ahead of the nearest competition and were the only golfers in the event to finish under par.

"I scrambled throughout the tournament," Sucher said. "My putter ended up saving me. I wasn't sure if I did enough to win, but in the end I'll take it. I am definitely happy."

Adam West had the low round of the day and the tournament, firing a career-low five-under par 67. As a result, West vaulted into the top-10 overall, finishing in a tie for fourth overall with a three-over par 219 (74-78-67). Not only was the 67 a career-low round, but his fourth-place finish marked the best result in his college career.

Additionally, with West's 67 and Sucher's second round 69, UAB golfers collected two of the five rounds of 70 or below recorded throughout the entire tournament.

"Zack really played well and is deserving of a co-championship," Kaufman continued. "He really had to grind it out over the final round, but he hung in there, fought through it and was rewarded. Adam played terrific as well. All in all, I am proud of the entire team."

Junior John Darby closed play in 32nd overall after finishing the 54-hole event with a 11-over par 227 (76-74-77). Sophomore Blake Watts (79-77-78) and senior Mike Oimoen (81-74-79) rounded out UAB, both shooting an 18-over 234 during the two-day tournament.

The Blazers will be off for the next couple of weeks before participating in the annual Jerry Pate Intercollegiate on Oct. 13-14, at the Old Overton Country Club in Birmingham, Ala.