Florida Tech’s Max O’Hagan Cruises to Title, Panthers Finish Runner-Up at Matlock Collegiate

By  //  February 13, 2020

Senior Max O'Hagan sets school records for 54-hole totals on the way

Max O’Hagan and the rest of the No. 15 Florida Tech golf team capped off a great week at Lone Palm Golf Club and will be bringing home some hardware from the Matlock Collegiate Classic. (Florida Tech image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Max O’Hagan and the rest of the No. 15 Florida Tech golf team capped off a great week at Lone Palm Golf Club and will be bringing home some hardware from the Matlock Collegiate Classic.

O’Hagan wrapped up a record-breaking week by winning his second career tournament by nine strokes with a total score of 202 (69-66-67) and -14 over the three rounds at Lone Palm’s par-72, 7,065-yard course. He entered Tuesday’s final round with a five-shot lead and never looked.

O’Hagan led the tournament in par-4 scoring at -9 while leading the field in birdies (15) and finishing second in total pars (38). There was only one instance during the 54 holes that he did not card a par or birdie, a bogey on hole 13 during the opening round on Monday.

The senior’s performance over the three rounds broke multiple school records, including the lowest 54-hole total (202), best 54-hole score vs. par (-14) and tied the record career wins (2).

O’Hagan’s impressive effort helped guide the golf team to a second-place finish at the Matlock Collegiate Classic at 875 (297-290-288) and a score of +11.

This marks the best result of the 2019-20 season for Tech and now gives the Crimson & Gray three top-7 finishes. Additionally, four Panthers including three members of the starting five finished in the top-21 on the leaderboard.

No. 26 Columbus State ran away with the team crown, finishing 17-strokes ahead of Tech at 858 (-6). Tournament host, No. 34 Florida Southern (+13) claimed third while No. 3 West Florida and No. 5 Lynn tied for fourth at +14.

Evan Thompson (+5) had the best tournament of his career this week as the junior shot a -1 on Tuesday to finish at 221 (77-73-71) and in a tie for 11th. His score of +5 is a career-high. The Clermont native led all golfers in par-3 scoring at -2.

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Kyle Decenzo (+7) carded a 75 during the final round and finished two strokes back of Thompson in a tie for 21st at 223 (74-74-75). Josh Perna (+13) capped his tournament debut for Florida Tech with a final round score of 75 to conclude the three rounds at 229 (77-77-75) and in a tie for 47th. Jacob Saarela (+27) had his best score of the week with a 77 during the final round, to finish at 243 (82-84-77).

Sam Avey, who represented Tech as an independent player, also had himself a good week as he finished with a score of +5 and in a tie for 11th at 221 (71-76-74).

Florida Tech golf is back in action next week, Feb. 17-18, at the Newberry Invitational. The tournament will take place at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C.

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