BRIMINGHAM - BYU finished eighth against one of the toughest field's of fall play at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegite tournament held at The Old Overton Club in Brimingham Alabama.
No.2 ranked Clemson continued its stronghold on the title, overcoming defending national champions and No.1 ranked Georgia and No. 6 ranked Georgia Tech to win the 2000 JPNI championship by a team score of 27 under par on Tuesday.
Billy Harvey led the Cougar's effort shooting a three over-par 216 finishing in the 24th spot for the week. Manuel Merizalde struggled on Tuesday shooting a 78 after firing a two under-par 69 on Monday. Merizalde is ranked No. 16 in the country and has been a huge leader for BYU this season. Harvey is also ranked in the top 20 in the country holding down the No. 18 position.
The No. 1 ranked collegiate golfer, Bryce Molder took the individual title shooting a 17 under-par 196 for the three day event. "There were some outrageously low scores this week," said BYU head coach Bruce Brockbank. "Our kids hung in there despite leaving some shots on the golf course. Although it was not our strongest effort of the season I am proud of the way the kids handled themselves this week."
The seventh-ranked Cougars concluded their fall schedule this week and begin their Spring season on January 29, 2001 at the Ping Arizona Invitational in Tucson AZ.
TEAM SCORES
Clemson825-27
Georgia827-25
Georgia Tech835-17
Oklahoma St.852E
UAB855+3
Southern Cal.860+8
Houston860+8
BYU874+22
Alabama876+24
Arizona876+24
UNLV878+26
Auburn881+29
BYU INDIVIDUAL SCORES
T24 Billy Harvey75-70-71--216
T33 Scott Miller68-77-75--220
T38 Manuel Merizalde74-69-78--221
T38 Jesse Hibler71-73-77--221
T51 Kyle Wight77-75-76--228