BRADENTON, Fla. -- A fifth national title is LSUâs after the Tigers sent just one match into 18 holes en route to claiming the 2015 NCAA Division I Menâs Golf Championship at The Concession Golf Club.
LSU senior Ben Taylor knocked down a two-putt par on the 18th green to clinch a 4-1-0 win against Southern California, celebrating with his coach and two teammates who had finished their matches earlier.
The Tigers jumped out to a strong start, getting an early 3&2 win from junior Zach Wright in the third spot, and adding a 2&1 win from sophomore Brandon Pierce in the opening pairing to grab a 2-0 lead.
The other three matches were less decisive however, all in doubt until Taylorâs final putt. Taylor found himself down one against the Trojansâ junior Bobby Gojuangco heading into the 17th hole. After Gojuangco set himself up for a sure birdie on 17, Taylor drove a long approach to within eight feet and nailed the eagle putt to force the 18th hole. Reaching the green in two, Taylor sealed the deal for LSU with a par, winning the final hole to secure the first national championship for LSU since 1955.
âIt was destiny,â Taylor said. âWe worked too hard all year, and to see it run up that tier and go to the back of that green by that back pin was pretty special, and it was a great way to end a great match.â
