The Alabama men’s golf team finished off a commanding 18-shot victory at the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational Sunday at the prestigious par-70, 7,142-yard Olympia Fields Country Club outside of Chicago.
 
“We really played well this weekend,” Alabama head coach Jay Seawell said. “I was pleased with the way the guys prepared, and then how well they executed on the course. It really was an A-plus effort.”
 
True freshman Robby Shelton led the Crimson Tide to victory in his first event as a member of the Alabama squad. The native of Wilmer, Ala., shared medalist honors at even-par 210. Shelton shot 3-over 73 in the final round as Stanford’s Cameron Wilson carded an even-par round to join him at even par.
 
“I was really proud of the way Robby played all weekend,” Seawell said. “He went out in his first start on a U.S. Open-caliber course and played very well. It was impressive to see how he handled himself. We needed someone to step in with the loss of Justin (Thomas) and he has done that. Robby is a big part of our team.”
 
Shelton is the second true freshman to win his first tournament at Alabama in the last three years and only the second in school history. Justin Thomas also claimed medalist honors at the 2011 Carpet Capital Collegiate.
 
Alabama shot its highest round of the three-day event Sunday with an 11-over 291, but still cruised to an 18-shot victory at 9-over 849. Texas (867) was second with Oklahoma State (869) third, Arkansas (871) fourth and Stanford (872) fifth. It was the seventh straight tournament victory dating back to last season for the defending national champion Crimson Tide.
 
Senior Trey Mullinax finished well on Sunday with a 2-over 72 for a tie for fourth place at 2-over 212. Bobby Wyatt shot 74 in the final round and finished tied for sixth at 4-over 214. Gavin Moynihan counted toward the Tide’s score on Sunday with a 72. Cory Whitsett’s 77 was dropped from the team total Sunday but still finished tied for 12th at 218.
 
The Crimson Tide have a few weeks off before returning home to host the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate at the Old Overton Golf Club in Vestavia Hills, Ala., on Oct. 7-8.

 

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