Brian Tirpak

Svard Shines Again As Otters Finish Third At GolfWeek

October 08, 2019 | By: By Kevin Gilmore (@OtterKevin)

Elis Svard cards matching 70s to earn second place finish

HOWIE IN THE HILLS, Fla. — Another strong outing from senior All–American Elis Svard (Sodertalje, Sweden) led the No. 18 Cal State Monterey Bay men's golf team to a third place finish at the GolfWeek Fall Invitational Tuesday at El Campeón Golf Course.

Svard shot matching rounds of 70 to claim sole possession of second place at 4–under 140. The tournament was abbreviated to 36 holes due to rain Monday afternoon. It marked the sixth time in the last 12 collegiate events that Svard has finished either first or second.

Tuesday marked Svard's second Top 10 finish in as many outings this fall. He finished seventh at the Western Washington Invitational Sept. 24.

"It is always great to see players have to travel from coast to coast with the three hour time change and watch how they respond: Elis stood tall," said CSUMB Head Coach Jason Owen. "He has continued to improve and through two tournaments and he has continued to work hard on the areas of his game that he needs to improve. I believe if he continues this work ethic, he has a very bright future ahead of him. Our team is fortunate to have a great leader on the course and I can see that filtering down to the other players."

In addition to Svard, senior Brian Whitson (Advance, Mo./Logan College) and freshman Kyle Kuest (Clovis West HS) came on with solid final rounds. Whitson shot even par 72 to earn a share of 20th place (+5) while Kuest went 1–over 73 Tuesday to tie for 28th (+8).

"Brian has had some ups and downs through this young season, but I see where he will establish himself right behind Elis," said Owen. It was also great to see the freshman (Kuest) bounce back from a bad first round. I know his mental game will mature quickly and he will start being very consistent for us."

No. 4 Barry University finished 9–under for the tournament to win the team title going away. No. 17 Lee University finished second at 2–over 578. Regis and Texas A&M International completed the top five.

E.J. Ewart of Barry tool medalist honors at 8–under 136, four shots ahead of Svard. Beck Burnette of Lee finished third at 141.

CSUMB will take next week off from competition before returning to action Oct. 21–22 by hosting the Otter Invitational.

"It will be great to be home at Bayonet and watch all of the Otters in action," says Owen.

GO OTTERS!

Print Friendly Version