The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Conrad Rehling Invitational
McDowell Defends Title at Alabama Invite
3/17/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
March 17, 2002
TUSCALOOSA - Chalk up another victory for UAB All-American golfer Graeme McDowell.
The junior tore up Capstone Club with a course-record-tying 65 to take a two-shot win Sunday at the 2002 Conrad Rehling Alabama Invite. McDowell successfully defended his 2001 individual championship and took his third tournament win in four spring outings.
The Blazer team also had a strong day. Head coach Alan Kauffman's linksters shot a 3-under par 281 team score to finish sixth. Newcomer Ryan Thomas continued his steady play with a 1-under 70 to grab a tie for 26th individually.
UAB also got an even-par 71 from Craig Gordon, who finished tied for 43rd, while Drew Jones carded a 75 (T 57th). The Blazers' Chad Goodwin finished the tournament with a 76.
McDowell, meanwhile, continued his brilliant season. The Northern Ireland native recorded his seventh consecutive sub-par round. Ranked sixth in the latest Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index Rankings, he has now claimed five individual titles this year.
Minnesota took the team championship after posting its third straight sub-par round. Despite not putting one player in the Top 10 individually, the Gophers still claimed a six-shot win over both Toledo and tourney-host Alabama. LSU finished fourth, and Michigan State rounded out the top five.
UAB, which finished up its second tournament this week, will get a much-deserved rest. The Blazers will not hit the course until April 7 and 8, when they take part in the Augusta State Invitational.
