May 17, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's golf team fell two strokes short of an NCAA Championship berth, after finishing the NCAA East Regional, held at Council Fire Golf Club in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 11th place at one-under par 851 (285-279-287).

Sophomore Jack Newman was the top Spartan at the regional, ending the three days at two-under par 211 (72-68-71) and in a tie for 29th. Newman posted an even-par 71 today, including five birdies, which brought his 54-hole total to 12. He played the par-fives at four-under, including three birdies on the second hole.

Junior Randy Hutchison had the low round of the day for MSU with an one-under 70. For the regional, he ended in a tie for 47th at one-over 214 (75-69-70). Hutchison had 11 birdies this week and played the par-fives at three-under, including a birdie on 11th hole in every round.

The freshman pair of Graham Baillargeon and Payne Gniewek finished among a group tied for 65th at three-over 216. Gniewek fired a one-over 72 today, while Baillargeon struggled to a six-over 77. Gniewek had the lone eagle of the regional for the Spartans today on the par-five 13th, helping him end the week at six-under for the par-fives. Meanwhile, Baillargeon scored 11 birdies this week, including the par-five second each day. Senior Ryan Brehm ended his collegiate career at eight-over 221 and in a tie for 100th.

No. 1 seed Georgia took the East Regional title at 41-under, followed by Augusta State at 20-under and UC Irvine at 16-under. Also qualifying for the NCAA Championship out of the East Region was Mississippi State, UAB, Auburn, Charlotte, East Tennessee State, Middle Tennessee State and Virginia.