In a tournament known for featuring top collegiate golf programs and future PGA Tour stars, this year’s Linger Longer Invitational (LLI) provided a thrilling display of talent that finally resulted in victory for the nationally ranked number 12 University of Georgia Bulldogs, capturing the title for a record-tying fifth time.
It was a close race to the finish for four teams, including first-round leader Louisville along with second-round leader and last year’s LLI champion, Alabama. Sunday began with Georgia tied for second with Liberty, but ultimately the Bulldogs were able to pull ahead with a final 54-hole score of 845, 19-under par.
Liberty finished just six strokes behind to take second place at 851 (best 4-of-5 scoring). Louisville took third place at 854, 10-under par, while five-time champion Alabama was fourth at 259. All four teams came into the LLI ranked among the Top 25 collegiate programs in the country.
Not only did Georgia stand out in the tournament, but it also dominated on the individual, claiming the top two spots. First-time collegiate medalist Spencer Ralston won the individual title at 11-under-par 205, followed by fellow junior teammate Trevor Phillips, at 208, 8-under, tied with Liberty sophomore Alexandre Fuchs. Ralston and Phillips both shot 6-under-par 66 in the final round.
