H-SC's O'Connell and Burt to Join Quakers at Grandover Resort

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. --- It was a done deal that Guilford College would be entering the NCAA Division III Men's Golf Tournament as the automatic qualifier from the ODAC, but the conference was awarded some extra representation on Monday evening.  Hampden-Sydney College senior Rick O'Connell and junior Brian Burt both earned spots as individuals as the NCAA filled out the 210-man field.

Guilford's involvement was guaranteed beyond playing as the Quakers will serve a co-hosting role at the 72-hole event set to be hosted in Greensboro, N.C.  The Greensboro Sports Commission will join forces with GC to provide an all-encompassing championship experience at the Grandover Resort.

NCAA Full Release  /  Grandover Resort  /  Live Results via Golfstat

Guilford punched its ticket by capturing an ODAC record 14th conference title, but not until they wrestled it away from a staunch Washington and Lee University squad that tied Guilford following both the first and second rounds.  The Quakers were led freshman Tanner Gross, who won the individual crown after winning a playoff hole against W&L's Conley Hurst.  Four of Guilford's five players placed in the top-eight at the ODAC Tournament, with Dallas Page and Ty Palmer tying for third and Drew Thompson chiming in eight.  Fifth-man Nick Shedd placed 17th.

O'Connell and Burt comprise two of the five individuals selected to even out the field at 210 players, with the 31 teams (at five players each) made up the first 205 competitors.  O'Connell and Burt placed sixth and tied for third at the ODAC tourney, respectively. O'Connell, the ODAC Player of the Year, owns the second-best average in the league (73.6), just a half-stroke shy of Burt (73.1).  GC's Gross is third (74.4).

Play begins on Tuesday, May 13, with the first of four rounds at Grandover.  Both the East and West courses will be used over the course of four days of tournament play.