Hooters Collegiate Match Play Championship

Augusta State Claims 2002 Hooters Collegiate Match Play Championship
Jaguars down top-seeded Clemson in final

The drama of match play golf was captured in Augusta State?s thrilling 3-2 win over Clemson in the finals of the Hooters Collegiate Match Play Championship at Barefoot Resort on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2003.

Both teams had won two matches, leaving only one match on the course to decide the winner. Augusta State senior Oliver Wilson led Clemson?s Matt Hendrix, 1-up heading to the 17th tee. Wilson?s tee shot landed just shy of the green on the 175-yard par 3, leaving him with a chip for birdie to clinch the win.

Wilson delivered and the Jaguars celebrated as the ball flopped onto the green and rolled into the cup.

"I?ve never been in a match that?s come down to the wire like that," said Wilson. "With that little bit of green to work with I decided to play it safe, but I didn?t want to go to 18."

Augusta State and Clemson entered the tournament as the top two seeds and held serve through the first three rounds of action. Top-seeded Clemson defeated Purdue, Oklahoma State and Arizona to reach the finals. Meanwhile, Augusta State downed Colorado, Florida and TCU on their path to the championship match.

The run to the finals by the Tigers and Jags was a fitting end to the fall season. Augusta State?s win at the match play championship gave both schools three team titles in the fall, more than any other team in college golf.

In other final round action, Arizona edged TCU for third place in the winners consolation finals. Despite a loss by U.S. Amateur Champion Ricky Barnes, the fifth seeded Wildcats managed a 3-2 victory over the Horned Frogs.

Oklahoma State and Texas finished their consolation match tied 2-2-1 as storms threatened the area Sunday afternoon.

The rains, however, did nothing to dampen the spirits of those at the 2002 Hooters Collegiate Match Play Championship as 16 of college golf?s best teams put on an outstanding display of athleticism and sportsmanship on the shores of Myrtle Beach.