McKay takes second at Linger Longer Invitational

Sunday, March 14

Lake Oconee, GA

Middle Tennessee

Linger Longer Invitational

3/14/2021 3:20:00 PM | Men's Golf

Results (PDF)

By: @MTAthletics

EATONTON, Ga. – Blue Raider graduate student Connor McKay claimed his third consecutive Top 5 finish and second runner-up finish of the spring Sunday at the Linger Longer Invitational, falling in heartbreak fashion only to reigning Conference USA Golfer of the Year John Gough.

The Knoxville native held a one stroke lead at 12-under par (66-69-69=204) when his final round concluded on Sunday, but Gough had seven holes to go and carded a birdie on 18 for the third consecutive day to edge McKay out at 13-under par.

"It was another great week for Connor," Head Coach Mark McEntire said. "He played unbelievable again for us and we were really hoping he would nail down his first college win, but just barely missed it. He has done all the right things this year and really wanted to improve his game, and he's continuing to see the rewards of that hard work."

In nine rounds this spring, McKay has now posted nine under par rounds, seven rounds in the 60s, and a 68.7 stroke average.

As a team, the Blue Raiders claimed ninth place on a week that will feel a bit disappointing after three consecutive team wins leading into the Linger Longer Invitational.

Middle Tennessee finished the week at 13-over par (296-287-284=877) as a team after a 6-over par 294 on Sunday, finishing behind tournament winner and Conference USA foe Charlotte (-25) as well as fellow league rival LA Tech (-4).

True freshman Kevin Jegers – who was competing as an individual in Georgia – notched the second best 54-hole score among six Blue Raiders in the field, claiming a share of 24^th at 1-over par (71-72-74=217) in just his third collegiate event.

Tanner Owens earned a spot inside the Top 30 of a talented field that featured Top 45 teams Georgia Tech and Virginia, going 3-over par (72-74-73=219) in his 54 holes after finishing on a 1-over par 73.

Owen Stamper was one stroke off of Owens' pace in round three and turned in a 5-over par (76-71-74=221) effort on the week to finish two strokes back of his veteran teammate.

Michael Barnard and Gavin Clements showed signs of struggle throughout the week, finishing the event at 19-over par (84-73-78=235) and 21-over par (82-76-79=237), respectively.

"Obviously the four and five spots really hurt us this week," McEntire explained. "I know we're still a good team with a lot of talent, but we were just a little rusty this week maybe because of the quick turnaround leaving less time for preparation. We had some miscues with the wedges that led to some big numbers that are not characteristic of this team and the way they have been playing.

Middle Tennessee has another short turnaround ahead, with the Schenkel Invitational hosted by Georgia Southern looming on March 19-21.

"Next week we're at Forest Heights which is a course we can score on, so if we can get that sharpness back with our wedges we'll post some good scores and be competitive like we expect to be every tournament," McEntire concluded.