LAS VEGAS, Nev. (EETV) - The No. 2 Auburn men’s golf team traveled to Las Vegas for the Southern Highlands Collegiate at Southern Highlands Golf Club this weekend. Despite facing top-ranked competition, Auburn dominated the course, finishing as the only team under par with a score of 9-under 855 to secure a dominating victory.
Auburn started hot in round one despite windy conditions, jumping to a first-place lead. Sophomore Josiah Gilbert led the way for the Tigers, finishing in second place shooting 2-under 70, and senior Carson Bacha finished in fourth place shooting 1-under 71. Seniors Brendan Valdes and Ryan Eshelman both shot 1-over 73, tying for eleventh place. Auburn led all teams by finishing the day under par.
The Tigers slowed down in round two but found their stride on the back nine. They finished the day at one under par, regaining their lead over UNLV. Gilbert continued his dominance again, placing second individually shooting 3-under 69. Eshleman climbed to fifth, shooting 1-under 71. Senior Carson Bacha finished in sixth place, shooting 2-over 74, and Valdes shot 1-over 73, tying for eighth.
Round three was all Auburn as they finished the day seven under par. Bacha caught fire shooting 8-under 64, his score card included one eagle, six birdies, and eleven pars. Brendan Valdes played his best on day three as well, shooting 4-under 68. The Tigers were the only team to finish under par at 9-under 855, earning their first win of the season in stroke play.
In individual play Auburn had four of their five players finish in the top 15. Carson Bacha finished in second place, shooting seven under. Josiah Gilbert finished in fourth place shooting three under, followed by Brendan Valdes in fifth place shooting 2-under. Ryan Eshleman finished in 12th shooting 3-over.
The Tigers return to action on March 16th where they will compete at The Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach, SC.
