Late Surge Gives Griffith Oak Tree Title

EDMOND (March 14) – Evan Griffith used a sizzling late-round surge to rally for the individual title at Oak Tree Invitational in leading Central Oklahoma to a fifth-place finish.

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Griffith was four-under-par over the final 11 holes to rally for a closing two-under 68 in finishing at five-under 205 for a one-shot win over Chris Somerfield of Cameron.

It's the first collegiate title for the junior standout, who tied for medalist honors at the Houston Classic last year before losing in a playoff.

The Bronchos shot a final-round 290 in finishing the two-day, 54-hole tournament at the 7,116-yard, par-70 East Course with an 863 total. Henderson State won the 15-team event at 850, followed by Oklahoma Christian (852), Cameron (859), Oklahoma City (861) and UCO.

Caleb Kimmel ended up tied for sixth with a two-over 212 total following a closing 71. Bennett Baldwin shot a final-round 74, while Dylan Henderson had a 77 and Kyle Hickey a 78. Ross Taylor shot 77 competing as an individual medalist.

"I'm really proud of Evan and how he played the past two days," head coach Derrick Thompson said. "He made a couple of mistakes today, but settled down and was just incredible down the stretch.

"It wasn't a bad tournament for us, but certainly could have been better. But the guys are working hard and we're getting better."

Griffith entered the final day tied for the lead and – starting the final round on No. 4 in the shotgun start – opened with four pars before birdieing the par-3 eighth.

The junior gave that back with a bogey on No. 9, then double bogeyed the par-4 10th to fall to two-over and drop to third in the individual standings. But Griffith was unstoppable after that, making birdies on Nos. 11, 12, 15 and 17 in surging in front.

UCO hosts the Broncho Invitational next Monday and Tuesday at Rose Creek Golf Club in Oklahoma City.

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Players Mentioned

Bennett Baldwin: Sophomore

Evan Griffith: Junior

Dylan Henderson: Sophomore

Kyle Hickey: Senior

Caleb Kimmel: Junior

Ross Taylor: Junior

Players Mentioned

Bennett Baldwin
: Sophomore

Evan Griffith
: Junior

Dylan Henderson
: Sophomore

Kyle Hickey
: Senior

Caleb Kimmel
: Junior

Ross Taylor
: Junior