NASHPORT, Ohio – The Davenport University men's golf team put together a complete three-round performance to claim the Crossroads Cup team championship on Tuesday (Sept. 29) at The Virtues Golf Club.
The Panthers finished the tournament with a three-round total of 868, edging host Ashland by three strokes for the title. Davenport carded rounds of 289, 292 and 287, saving its best performance for the final round to secure the victory. The Panthers' closing-round 287 was the lowest team score of the day and helped DU erase the two-stroke advantage Ashland held entering the final 18 holes.
Davenport's depth proved to be the difference, as all five members of the Panther lineup finished inside the top 17 individually.
Cayden Kwan and
Justin Grimard led the way, tying for sixth overall with matching scores of 218 (+2). Kwan opened with an even-par 72 before closing the tournament with a one-under 71. Grimard provided one of Davenport's best rounds of the tournament on Monday, firing a four-under 68 in the second round.
Chen-Shiuan Wu was close behind, earning a tie for 12th at 220 (+4). Wu started the event with a two-under 70 and followed with rounds of 77 and 73.
Pedro Russi delivered a major boost in Tuesday's final round, firing a career low four-under 68, the lowest closing round by a Panther. His strong finish moved him into 15th overall at 222 (+6). Rounding out Davenport's starting five was
Hudson Turcotte, who tied for 17th at 223 (+7) after posting rounds of 73, 75 and 75.
The Panthers also received strong performances from their two individuals.
Ashton Rinaldi finished 20th at 224 (+8) and saved his best golf for the final round with a one-under 71.
Haiden Green placed 28th at 228 (+12), improving eight strokes from his opening round and finishing with back-to-back 74's.
Davenport's consistency ultimately separated it from the 15-team field. The Panthers were the only team to finish below 870, while Ashland placed second at 871 and Ferris State finished third at 887. The tournament was played on the par-72, 7,085-yard layout at The Virtues Golf Club.
