For the first time in program history, the Florida men’s golf team took part in the Marquette Intercollegiate. Hosted by Marquette University in Hartford, Wisconsin, the tournament featured 13 other teams.
Along with the host team, No. 10 Florida faced Chattanooga, Clemson, Minnesota, Nevada, Oral Roberts, Rutgers, San Diego State, Siena, Texas A&M, UAB, UC Davis and Wisconsin.
After opening the tournament in 12th place, Florida rallied in the final rounds to earn a third place finish alongside Texas A&M at 26 over par..
On Sunday, the Gators recorded a score of 29-over before two consecutive rounds under par. The team rose two places after a 2-under third round.
Florida junior Jack Turner lost a tight battle for first place to San Diego State senior Tyler Kowack. After finishing his final round, Turner led by one stroke. With a birdie on 18, Kowack overtook Turner.
Junior transfer Noah Kent and freshmen Parker Severs and Trevor Gutschewski made their Florida debuts. Despite playing as individuals, Kent and Severs recorded some of the best rounds of the tournament.
Entering the final round, Severs was tied for the lead. He was even for the tournament before the third round. However, in the third round, he faced multiple setbacks, including six bogeys and a double bogey.
He finished as one of five players tied for 10th place with a score of 6-over. Kent ended the tournament behind him in 15th place with a score of 7-over. Unlike Severs, Kent achieved his best score of the tournament in the final round with an even par.
Senior Parker Bell was Florida’s second-highest finisher. After a disappointing 7-over round on Sunday, Bell came back to record a final score of 5-over. He ended tied for eighth place with Minnesota senior Jack Wetzel.
Fellow senior Matthew Kress also made significant moves in the final round. Entering the final round, Kress was tied for 53rd place at 13-over. His five birdies in round three allowed him to move up 23 places to finish as one of four golfers tied for 30th.
Florida’s final golfer, junior Luke Poulter, recorded three rounds over par, finishing with a score of 18-over. He improved with each round, rising 13 places in the third.
The Florida men’s golf team will next compete beginning Oct. 19. The three-day Williams Cup tournament will be hosted by the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Contact Brooke Bastedo at bbastedo@alligator.org. Follow her on X @BrookeBastedo.
Brooke is entering her third semester as The Alligator's golf reporter. She is a sophomore sports journalism student with a passion for international sports. She enjoys trying as many new hobbies as possible, spending time with friends and watching Detroit sports (Go Lions!).
