Furman Men’s Golf is rolling heading into the final stretch of the season. Its most recent win at the Furman Intercollegiate propelled the team to 69th place in the national rankings. This win was only one of the many highlights from the weekend.
Not only was the team able to squeak by 72nd ranked Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday, but fifth-year senior, Keller Harper successfully defended his individual title and claimed his second win of the season. Leading the field in birdies, Keller fired a bogie-free opening round of 66, followed by rounds of 69 and 72, to finish 6-under for the tournament. Keller’s win pushes him to 60th in the nation and makes him the second most winningest Furman golfer behind World Golf Hall of Fame member, Brad Faxon. With several tournaments coming up for the Paladins, Keller looks to continue his success and etch his mark deeper into program history.
Standout freshman, Mac Scott also climbed up the nation rankings following the Furman Intercollegiate. After top 5 and top 10 finishes in his last two events Mac is now ranked 70th in the nation and looks to be the next Furman Golf standout. His Sigma Chi fan brothers were out in full force on Saturday supporting him and let out a massive roar when Mac holed out for eagle on his final hole.
Head coach, Matt Davidson, expressed much joy and pride in how his players handled the wet and windy conditions. Before each round, Coach Davidson encouraged his players to “play smart, pick good targets, play with a ton of confidence, and with free swings.” His encouragement paid off. Multiple players finished inside the top 10 overall and top 3 in scoring stats. Sophomore, Ross Funderburke, along with Walker Crosby finished with top 10 and top 5 performances. Redshirt-junior Jack Crosby led the field in par three score, Keller led the field in par four scoring, and Junior, Nathan Norfleet, finished second in the field in par five scoring at 7-under par.
After the final round, Coach Davidson addressed his players: “Thank you for the complete effort and grind you guys put in this week,” he began, “you all looked focused and committed to each shot and did your best. That is all you can control. Enjoy the win.”
The players were not the only ones enjoying their win. Former golf alumni from recent graduates to ’61 alum Charlie Busbee congratulated the players out their outstanding achievement. To have the support of friends, family, and former players in attendance was both a humbling and encouraging experience for the team.
As the post-season inches closer, Furman Men’s Golf looks to ride its momentum into a SoCon Championship and NCAA tournament run. “We have the talent and work ethic to achieve our goals,” Coach Davidson said, and with so many players playing well and new talent coming in, Furman Men’s golf is becoming a team rooted in a winning culture.