PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman rallied to win the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship on Sunday, and the Wildcats took their record 10th women’s title on the first hole of a playoff with Texas-Pan American.
“It was a long and a very stressful day out there,” Bethune-Cookman coach Scooter Clark said. “But both teams really grinded, and I am just thrilled to take home both titles in this incredible tournament. It is really satisfying.”
Ryan Fricker, a freshman from England, shot a 1-under 71 on PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course to lead Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats beat second-round leader Texas-Pan American by a stroke in the Division I competition, finishing with a 6-over 294 for a 19-over 883 total.
“We really didn’t play well yesterday and almost let the championship slip away,” Fricker said. “I was happy to help the team today, and it felt good to win this championship in my first appearance. It was really cool.”
Texas-Pan American’s Kevin Kirakossian took medalist honors, shooting a 71 to finish at 4-under 212.
In women’s Division I, Bethune-Cookman won the playoff after matching Texas-Pan American at 45-over 909. Bethune-Cookman’s Andrea Orozco was the women’s medalist at 4-over 220.
Alabama State’s Robert Grant won the men’s independent division. The English player holed out from 133 yards for eagle on the 18th hole to get into a playoff at 5-over 221 and won with a 2-foot birdie putt on the same hole.
“I absolutely pured the shot from 133 yards and saw it hit the flag. Then I saw my teammates go crazy and I knew it was in,” Grant said. “And then to hit another great shot in the playoff was just incredible.”
Texas Wesleyan’s Alexis Belton won the men’s independent division, finishing with a 74 for 7-over 223 total.
“I came into the final round and I just wanted to have fun and try to play my best,” Belton said. “It felt great to win and I can’t wait to come back and play again next year.”
Lincoln University won its fifth Division II title, and Virginia State’s Zach Smith was the division medalist at ever-par 216. Talladega College won its second NAIA division title, and Edward Waters College’s Kevin Parker was the division medalist at 6-under 210.
