Tucker Cards Career Low to Close Tiger Invite

Sunday, March 4

Grand National - Lake Course | Opelika, Ala.

James Madison University

2018 Tiger Invitational

3/6/2018 10:48:00 PM | Men's Golf

@JMUMGolf JMU MG on Instagram Final Results 2017-18 Statistics

OPELIKA, Ala. - Junior Ben Tucker played his final seven holes in five under on Tuesday evening, leading the way for the James Madison men's golf team on the final day of the Tiger Invitational, hosted by No. 9 Auburn at the par-72, 7,149-yard Grand National Lake Course.

Tucker opened birdie-bogey, then reeled off nine straight pars before closing with three birdies and an eagle across his final seven to wrap a collegiate-best 5-under 67 that vaulted him 11 spots on the 93-player leaderboard and into a tie for eighth for the second consecutive week at 4-under 212.

Freshman Ignacio Montero battled through an up-and-down round to post 4-under 68 of his own, climbing into a tie for 19th at even-par 216. The effort marked Montero's team-leading 14th round of par or better this season.

As a team, the Dukes posted their best round of the week, dropping another four strokes from their second-round score to card a 2-over 290, cementing their hold on sole possession of 14th at the 17-team tournament.

Sophomore Quinn Tardif carded a 5-over 77 to close the week in 77th, while sophomore Walker Cress (t-62; 225) and junior Shota Ozaki (t-85; 235) rounded out the JMU scoring with rounds of 6-over 78.

QUOTING COACH FORBES
"Ben and Nacho had great rounds for us today. We're happy for their performances, but this tournament illustrated how important it is for us to build some depth in these last few tournaments. We need strong rounds down the card against good teams."

UP NEXT
The Dukes will be back in action in just over two weeks, when they travel to Furman University GC in Greenville, S.C. to take part in the Furman Intercollegiate on March 23-25.