CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Georgia Tech sophomore Hiroshi Tai survived a triple bogey on his 17th hole with a closing par for a 1-under 71, and it was just enough to win the NCAA men’s golf title Monday at La Costa.
It also helped the Yellow Jackets narrowly join the eight teams that advance to match play to compete for the team title.
Tai became the fourth player from Georgia Tech to win the NCAA individual title, and first since Troy Matteson in 2002. The victory earns him a trip to the Masters next year.
Tai, who spent two years in the Singapore Navy before enrolling at Georgia Tech, finished at 3-under 285 for a one-shot victory over five players.
Gordon Sargent of Vanderbilt, the NCAA champion last year, and Ben James of Virginia were the last two players who had a chance to force a playoff, needing birdie on the par-5 18th.
Both chose to hit 3-wood to be sure to stay short of water on the left, though neither had a chance to reach the green. Sargent was in deep rough and fortunate to get a free drop because his feet were on the cart path.