Clemson Finishes Second at Cleveland Golf Palmetto Invitational

March 9, 2010

Clemson, SC – McCuen Elmore recorded a top five finish in his first career team event and led Clemson to a second-place finish at the Cleveland Golf Palmetto Invitational at Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, SC. Elmore finished with a 211 score after a 71 on Tuesday, leading Clemson to an 862 team score, seven shots behind champion Chattanooga.

It was Clemson’s third straight top three finish this Spring.

Elmore, a native of Cheraw, SC, had rounds of 71-69-71 for his 211 total, tied for fifth place individually at one over par. Virginia’s Ben Kohles won the event with a 205 score, including a tournament best 63 in the second round. He was one of just three players under par for the tournament.

Elmore, who had the Tigers only eagle during the tournament, had 36 pars in his 54 holes, tied for fourth best in the field of 90 golfers. He played the par five holes at four under par, tied for fifth best in the field.

Elmore’s top five finish was the best for a Clemson golfer in his first career event playing for the Clemson team since current teammate Ben Martin finished third at the Carpet Classic in his first career tournament in September of 2006. Elmore had played in one event last year, but he played as an individual and his scores did not count towards the Clemson team.

Jacob Burger rebounded from an opening round 76, a score that did not count towards the Clemson team, to shoot a pair of 71s over the last two rounds. He finished at 218 and was 17th overall at the tournament. He played the par three holes at even par over the 54 hole event, tied of the best in the field.

Luke Hopkins, who had shot 72-69 over the first two rounds, shot a 78 on Tuesday, but his 219 score was third best among Tigers for the three rounds. He finished 19th at the tournament. His 54 holes included 10 birdies, tied for sixth best in the field.

Ben Martin had a 77 on Tuesday and finished with a 221 score for the three rounds, good enough for 30th place. Martin had 11 birdies for the tournament, fourth best in the 90-player field.

Corbin Mills was a contributor on Tuesday with a 72 on the par 70 course. He shot a 225 for the tournament, 47th place.

Clemson will next be in action March 19-21 when the Tigers take part in the Furman Invitational in nearby Greenville, SC.

Clemson at Cleveland Golf Palmetto Invitational March 8-9, 2010