Sports > April 24, 2008

By Forrest Kobayashi | Contributing writer

The Wake Forest Demon Deacon men’s golf team participated in the ACC Championships from April 11-13. The league-wide championship tournament was held at the Old North State Club in Uwharrie Point, N.C.

Battling inclement weather, the Deacons were able to attain a fifth place finish, as well as produce the winner of the highly competitive tournament.

The Deacons finished the ACC Championship with a combined score of 848 (-16), for its best score to par in the 2008 season.

Demon Deacon senior Webb Simpson had a weekend to remember, winning the ACC Championship individual competition with a score of 202 (-14) over the three-day tournament.

Simpson shot two 68’s in the first two rounds of the ACC tournament, and posted a 66 (-6) in the final round. It was his lowest round recorded in a team event on the season.

Simpson is also a Ben Hogan Award semifinalist, which is the most prestigious award in all of men’s college golf.

The award is given to the top NCAA, NAIA, or Junior College golfer from the past 12 months, based on collegiate and amateur competition performances.

Sophomore Brendan Gielow finished with an overall score of 212 (-4).

This placed him second among Wake Forest competitors and tied for 13th in the overall tournament standings.

In his final round, Gielow shot a 69, which tied his 2008 season best individual score.

Senior Chris McCartin turned in a solid 24th place finish.

The Arlington, Va., native finished at an even par, with scores of 70-72-74.

On Par 4 holes, Simpson led all competitors with a -6.

Wake Forest golfers also fared well on Par five holes, with Simpson scoring -8 and McCartin and Gielow both scoring -7.

Simpson and McCartin both had one eagle apiece.

Sophomore Travis Wadkins finished 29th in the tournament with a score of 218 (+2).

His tournament was highlighted by shooting a 69 in the second round of play.

Junior Justin Groves finished 54th with a score of 238 (+22). He shot a 76 in the first round, his best round of the tournament.

Wake Forest will begin preparing for the NCAA Regionals, which will be held May 15-17. The NCAA Championships are May 28-31 at Purdue University.