Camilla Hedberg started her 2012 season perfectly on Tuesday. Not only did the Gators win the Cougar Classic, but the sophomore also grabbed the first individual title of her college career.
After taking over the lead on Monday, Hedberg finished out the tournament with her third straight under-par round. She shot a 68 (-4) to put her at 203 (-13) for the tournament, four strokes ahead of the field.
“Camilla played another steady round today,” coach Emily Bastel said. “She had to sleep on the lead last night and did a great job of handling her nerves today.”
In addition to Hedberg’s win, seniors Isabelle Lendl and Mia Piccio’s top-10 finishes helped Florida maintain its position at the top of the leaderboard.
Lendl shot her toughest round of the tournament on Tuesday. She turned in a 75 (+3), which consisted of only two birdies against five bogeys.
Lendl started the day in second place, but dropped to fifth. Thanks to her first two rounds, Lendl finished the tournament 4 under.
“I am excited for the great start to our season, especially at a tournament with such a great field,” Bastel said. “This is a great confidence builder for us.”
Over in Kiawah Island, S.C, the men mirrored the women’s performance.
Tyler McCumber, T.J. Vogel, A.J. Crouch and Santiago Gavino all finished in the top five to give the Gators the team title at The Invitational at The Ocean Course.
However, the Gators saw significantly higher numbers on the final day of the tournament because they were playing through forceful wins. McCumber, Vogel and Crouch shot a combined 19 strokes higher on Tuesday than they did Monday.
“It was an unbelievable day of golf from a wind standpoint,” coach Buddy Alexander said of Tuesday. “The golf course was brutal, especially the last five holes.”
Vogel, who started the day in third place, carded a round of 77 (+5), which consisted of only three birdies against six bogeys and a double. Despite the high round, Vogel moved up to second place, falling only one stroke behind the leader.
Joining Vogel with a second-place finish was senior McCumber, who held onto that spot throughout the tournament. McCumber also turned in a high round of 79 (+7), but finished with a tournament total of 221 (+5) because of solid rounds on Sunday and Monday.
Florida’s 882 (+18) team total not only put it 24 strokes ahead of second place UT Arlington, but it also earned the team its second straight title at The Invitational.
“It was a great way to start the year,” Alexander said. “When the team wins though, everybody is happy.”
Contact Katie Agostin at kagostin@alligator.org.
