Clemson Co-Champions of Jack Nicklaus Collegiate Match Play

Clemson, SC—Larry Penley gained his 77^th first place tournament finish, but his first in a match play format, as Clemson and Georgia Tech were declared co-champions of the Jack Nicklaus Collegiate Match Play at Muirifield Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

Clemson defeated Georgia, 4-2, on Tuesday in the completion of a suspended match due to weather on Monday night.   The format for the tournament called for Clemson and Georgia Tech to meet in the finals, but there was not enough time to complete the match due to the rain delay on Monday.   Thus Clemson and Georgia Tech were declared co-champions.   Tech defeated South Carolina 3-1-2 in the other semifinals.

Senior Coleman Self proved to be the key player for Clemson for the second straight match.   His 4 & 3 win on Monday against an Ohio State player allowed Clemson to advance due to winning the most holes.  Self’s victory was the largest victory margin by a Clemson player.

One Tuesday, Self defeated Davis Thompson of Georgia on the final hole, 1-up to give Clemson the team victory.

Self and freshman Zack Gordon, were both 2-0 for the tournament.   Gordon beat Will Chandler of Georgia at the No. 5 position on Tuesday, 2&1.   He led from the first hole and was 5-up through 12 holes.

Turk Pettit and William Nottingham were both winners for Clemson against the Bulldogs.  Pettit defeated Spencer Ralston, 3 & 2.   The match was all square through 10, but Pettit pulled away by winning holes 11, 14 and 15.     Nottingham was two down through 10, but won holes 11 and 12.  He then closed it out with wins on holes 17 and 18.

Penley had won 76 tournaments entering the Nicklaus, but had never won a match play tournament in seven previous tries.

Results of Jack Nicklaus Collegiate Match Play
October 8-9, 2018
Muirfield Village, Dublin, Ohio

Clemson 2, Ohio State 2, halved 2
October 8, 2018

Will Grimmer (OSU) d. Bryson Nimmer (Clem), 1-up
Turk Pettit (Clem)  vs. Caleb Ramirez (OSU), halved
Daniel Wetterich (OSU) d. William Nottingham (Clem), 2-up
Kyle Cottam (Clem) vs. Will Voetsch (OSU), halved
Zack Gordon (Clem) d. Kevin  Stone (OSU),  1-up
Coleman Self (Clem) d. Grant Engle (OSU) 4&3.

Clemson 4, Georgia 2
October 9, 2018

Trent Phillips (G) d. Bryson Nimmer, (Clem), 5&4
Turk Pettit (Clem) d. Spencer Ralston (G), 3&2
William Nottingham (Clem) da. Will Kahlstorf (G), 2-up
Tye Waller (G) d. Kyle Cottam (Clem), 3&2
Zack Gordon (Clem) d. Will Chandler (G), 2&1
Coleman Self (Clem) d. Davis Thompson (G), 1-up