The UR men’s golf team traveled to Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. over the weekend to play in the Liberty League Golf Championship. The championship was hosted by Skidmore College and was played on a course with a par of 72. The tournament’s participants included Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Hobart College. UR finished second in the field an improvement from their third-place finish last year.
Leading the field on the first day for the ‘Jackets was sophomore Ryan Williams, who shot a four-under 68 and finished one shot off of the lead. Senior Jon Pecor finished the day tied for sixth place with a score of a 71. Freshmen David Wien and Michael Buenaventua both shot 73s for the day. Rounding out the five-man team was sophomore Chris Driscoll, who shot a 77 on Saturday.
Two additional players from UR also competed in the individual competition. One was junior Brandon Isobe, who was UR’s third lowest scorer for the day with a 72. Freshman Michael Chudacoff also competed and carded a 75.
The ‘Jackets finished the first day with a collective score of 286. This score allowed them to tie for second, remaining only four shots off the lead going into the last day of the tournament.
On the second day of the tournament, UR did not shoot as well as the first day but was still able to take second place in the championship. Williams shot a one-over 73 to bring his total score for the tournament to a three-under 141. He ended up in second place overall and earned First Team All-Liberty League honors.
Wien finished in 13th place with an overall score of 150. Following right behind him was Buenaventura, who ended up tied for 15th place with a score of 151. Pecor landed himself in 18th place with a score of 152. Joining Pecor in 18th place was teammate Chudacoff. Driscoll and Isobe both scored a 153, leaving them finish tied for 21st place.
Skidmore, who is currently ranked seventh in the nation, ended up taking the tournament with a four-under 572. UR placed second with a 589. The Yellowjackets were followed by Clarkson (591), St. Lawrence (592), RPI (610) and Hobart (631).
Up next for the team will be a trip to Clinton, N.Y. for the Hamilton Fall Invitational. The Invitational will take place over two days, Oct. 4-5, and will be played on both the Yahnundasis Golf Club and the Skenandoa Golf Club.
This will be the ‘Jackets first time playing in the Invitational.
Belonga is a member of the class of 2010.
