
Gators Conclude SEC Fall Preview
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 | Men's Golf
Florida fell 3-2 today in match play vs. Alabama.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Florida men's golf team concluded the SEC Fall Preview on Wednesday, falling 3-2 to Alabama in match play.
Florida finished yesterday's stroke play in 7th at 16-under and took on the host Tide in match play this afternoon. The loss was the first SEC match play loss since the 2022 SEC Championship Finals vs. Vanderbilt (3-2). The Gators are 9-2 in their last 11 matches.
Going undefeated in match play at last season's conference tournament, Matthew Kress didn't miss a beat. He secured the first point with a 5&4 victory over Alabama's Thomas Ponder. After dropping the first hole, he won six of the next 13 holes and did not lose one.
The Gators went up 2-0 behind Parker Bell's 6&4 win over JP Cave. Bell only lost two holes and had two streaks of three straight wins, including on holes 3-5 to secure the match point.
Alabama would respond, and take the next three matches; 3&2, 2&1 and 1 Up for the victory.
UF continues the fall slate with back-to-back outings at the Williams Cup (Oct. 9-10) and Georgetown Intercollegiate (Oct. 15-16).
Match Play Results
Alabama - 3
Florida -2
Canon Claycomb (Alabama) 3&2 over John DuBois
Nick Dunlap (Alabama) 2&1 over Luke Poulter
Jonathan Griz (Alabama) 1 Up over Ian Gilligan
Parker Bell 6&4 over JP Cave (Alabama)
Matthew Kress 5&4 over Thomas Ponder (Alabama)
Florida finished yesterday's stroke play in 7th at 16-under and took on the host Tide in match play this afternoon. The loss was the first SEC match play loss since the 2022 SEC Championship Finals vs. Vanderbilt (3-2). The Gators are 9-2 in their last 11 matches.
Going undefeated in match play at last season's conference tournament, Matthew Kress didn't miss a beat. He secured the first point with a 5&4 victory over Alabama's Thomas Ponder. After dropping the first hole, he won six of the next 13 holes and did not lose one.
The Gators went up 2-0 behind Parker Bell's 6&4 win over JP Cave. Bell only lost two holes and had two streaks of three straight wins, including on holes 3-5 to secure the match point.
Alabama would respond, and take the next three matches; 3&2, 2&1 and 1 Up for the victory.
UF continues the fall slate with back-to-back outings at the Williams Cup (Oct. 9-10) and Georgetown Intercollegiate (Oct. 15-16).
Match Play Results
Alabama - 3
Florida -2
Canon Claycomb (Alabama) 3&2 over John DuBois
Nick Dunlap (Alabama) 2&1 over Luke Poulter
Jonathan Griz (Alabama) 1 Up over Ian Gilligan
Parker Bell 6&4 over JP Cave (Alabama)
Matthew Kress 5&4 over Thomas Ponder (Alabama)
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