St. Simons Island, Ga. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were crowned tournament champions at the Johnnie-O at Sea Island event hosted at the Sea Island Plantation Golf Course March 11-12. The Irish secured their first place finish with a score of 832, shooting 32 under, 10 strokes better than the next competing team, No. 8 Texas.
Notre Dame was led by the tournament winner, freshman Jacob Modleski, who tied for first place.
“The first win is always special and knowing Jacob, he’s already preparing for his second,” said Head Coach and Director of Golf John Handrigan.
Palmer Jackson finished third right behind Modleski as it was neck and neck through the last few holes.
Modleski shot 12 under with a score of 204, shooting an even 72 in round one, a 67 (-5) and an impressive 65 (-7) in round three. The freshman recorded five birdies and two eagles in the final round with 14 birdies total in the event.
“Jacob and Palmer played awesome and had a great event,” said Handrigan. “They made each other better today and it’s a perfect example of positive competition to get the best play from one another. That is the Notre Dame Golf way.”
Chris Bagnall competed as an individual for this event, but was also able to claim a top-10 finish as he shot a 209 (-7) to finish T6. Bagnall shot a 70 (-2), 68 (-4), and a 71 (-1).
Nate Stevens recorded a top-10 finish to help the team secure this first place victory as Stevens finished T8. He shot six under with a score of 210 as he was playing his best golf in rounds two and three, recording a 68 (-4) in both.
“I was quoted last week that our performance did not meet the Notre Dame Golf standard – and it didn’t – but we sure changed that this week and competed at our elite level,” said Handrigan.
“It was a very impressive win in a strong field. Great teams never let up and we didn’t today. We had a solid 6 shot lead going into the final round and we kept the pedal down to extend our lead today to win by 10. That’s the Notre Dame Golf standard. Our daily process in the classroom, at workouts and especially at practice has been exceptional. I’m proud of our team – winning in college golf is hard, but they earned this win with great process and preparation.”
Notre Dame is back in action this weekend as they head to Forest Heights Golf Club in Statesboro, GA to compete in the Schenkel Invitational.
“A quick turnaround as we compete again starting Friday, but we are going to enjoy and celebrate this victory.”
