Clemson Sixth at Schenkel Invitational

March 21, 2004

Clemson, SC – Sophomore Stephen Poole fired a three-round total of even par 216 to lead Clemson to a sixth-place finish at the Chris Schenkel Invitational at Statesboro, GA. The event was played at the par 72 6,945-yard Forest Heights County Club course over the last two days. The 15 teams played 36 holes on Saturday, followed by 18 on Sunday.

Sunday’s conditions were windy and the scores reflected it. Clemson shot a 298 for its final round, one of just five teams in the field to break 300. Florida won the event, its sixth win of the year, with an 859 team total, 10 better than second-place Georgia. South Carolina was third at 871, followed by Duke (872), Augusta State (876) and Clemson (878).

Poole playing just his second tournament of the year and third as a Tiger, had rounds of 74-70-72 to finish in a tie for 10th. Poole was Clemson’s number-five player entering the event, but was its top finisher on Sunday. It was the first time since last year’s Carpet Classic, 19 tournaments ago, that Larry Penley’s number-five player was his best player at a team tournament. It was Poole’s first ever top 10 finish.

Jack Ferguson finished 17th with a 218 total after rounds of 70-72-76. Matt Hendrix had an up and down tournament, as the US Walker Cup player had rounds of 78-68-74 for a 220 total, good enough for 25th. Hi second round 68 was the best by a Tiger in the three rounds.

Senior Gregg Jones had rounds of 75-73-77 to finish at 225, ranking 45th individually. Brent Delahoussaye had rounds of 79-74-76 to finish at 229 and 61st individually. This was the first time in 26 tournaments that Clemson did not finish in the top five from a team standpoint. The last time Clemson failed to finish in the top five was at the Chris Schenkel on the same course two years ago. In fact, Clemson has finished out of the top five just twice in its last 34 events and both have been at the Chris Schenkel.