Sports > March 27, 2008

By Chris Tumminello | Contributing writer

The No. 14 men’s golf team finished in a tie for 12th after shooting a combined 27-over par in the Hootie at Bulls Bay Intercollegiate in Awendaw, S.C. The Deacs came into the tournament with confidence following a brilliant 16-stroke comeback at the General Jim Hackler Championship only two weeks ago.

A win at Bulls Bay would mark the third straight year the Deacs would walk away as Hootie champions.

Unfortunately, windy weather and course conditions proved to be detrimental to the team’s performance in the opening rounds.

The Deacs shot a seven-over 291 March 23, leaving them tied for 10th at the conclusion of the opening round.

Chances of a three-peat began to fade as the Deacs finished the second round 22 strokes behind the tournament leader and co-host, No. 15 South Carolina.

“The wind has been a big factor and the greens have been bumpy,” Wake Forest Coach Jerry Haas said after the conclusion of the second round.

“The teams that aren’t doing well aren’t making putts.”

The third round consisted of much of the same for the Deacs, as they shot seven-over par, putting an end to their run at Bulls Bay.

Senior Webb Simpson finished tied for 10th individually after shooting a combined one-under par for the three rounds.

Senior Chris McCartin shot an even par 71 in the final round, the best on the day for the team, to finish tied for 37th individually.

Sophomore Brendan Gielow finished tied for 5st with a 10-over 226 for the tournament.

Sophomore Travis Wadkins recorded a one-over 72 in the final round to finish strong at 63rd overall and junior Dustin Groves carded a four-over 75 in the final round to finish 73rd overall.

South Carolina led the tournament by a slim margin for the first two rounds but lost its lead to a charging North Carolina State team, who shot an impressive 13-under par in the final round to secure their victory.

South Carolina finished tied with No. 16 Clemson, who shot a three-under 281 in the final round to maintain their hold on second place.

No. 8 Florida State finished fourth after shooting a combined one-under par for the tournament.

No. 11 Duke finished last after shooting a disappointing 33-over par.

The Deacs will look to rebound at the N.C. State Intercollegiate in Wallace, N.C. on April 11-13.