LEXINGTON, Ky. — No. 16 Transylvania saved its best golf for the final round Sunday, firing an 8-under-par 280 to climb four spots and finish fifth at the Transylvania Fall Invitational at the University Club of Kentucky's Big Blue Course.
The Pioneers finished the 54-hole event at 867 (+3) after rounds of 291-296-280. Transylvania's 8-under closing round came against the strongest field in Transylvania Fall Invitational history, a 17-team field featuring five nationally ranked teams and several others receiving votes in the preseason Bushnell/Golfweek Division III Coaches Poll.
Transylvania entered the weekend ranked No. 16 nationally and finished ahead of a deep group that included No. 22 Guilford and programs receiving national votes, including Greensboro and Bridgewater.
No. 11 Mary Hardin-Baylor captured the team championship at 841 (-23) following rounds of 284-279-278, establishing a Transylvania Fall Invitational 54-hole scoring record. The Cru held off No. 15 Trinity by four shots, while No. 4 Illinois Wesleyan finished six shots back despite a remarkable final-round 270 (-18).
No. 15 Trinity (Texas) finished second at 845 (-19), followed by No. 4 Illinois Wesleyan at 847 (-17). Shenandoah finished fourth at 856 (-8), with Transylvania rounding out the top five at 867 (+3). Centre finished one shot behind the Pioneers in sixth at 868 (+4).
Transylvania produced some fireworks of its own during Sunday's final round. Sophomore Seth Hickerson led the charge with a 5-under-par 67, moving nine spots up the individual leaderboard to finish 13th at 3-under for the tournament. Hickerson carded seven birdies during his final round, going out in 33 before coming home in 34. Freshman Carter Denton added a 2-under 70, while sophomore All-American Andy Steed shot a 1-under 71. Junior Ty Ruttinger completed Transylvania's four counting scores with an even-par 72. Sophomore Hank Schick finished the round with a 3-over 75. The combination gave the Pioneers their 280, 11 shots better than their opening-round 291 and 16 shots better than Saturday's second-round 296.
The quality of the field was evident before the first shot was struck. The preseason Bushnell/Golfweek poll included Illinois Wesleyan at No. 4, Mary Hardin-Baylor at No. 11, Trinity at No. 15, Transylvania at No. 16 and Guilford at No. 22, while Greensboro and Bridgewater entered the weekend receiving votes.
After sitting outside the top five entering Sunday's final round, Transylvania responded with its best golf of the weekend when it mattered most. The Pioneers played the final 18 holes at 8-under par, jumping four teams on the leaderboard to secure a top-five finish against a field loaded with nationally ranked competition.
Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
