The LSU men’s golf team struggled in their first two rounds of the spring season at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville, Fla., but managed to rally on the final day of the tournament.
Junior Andrew Loupe kept the Tigers within striking distance while his team was struggling on the first day. Loupe scored back-to-back rounds of 1-over par 71 to open the tournament, and finished the first day one stroke behind the leaders.
The rest of the team showed rust after enduring a three-month long break in their season. The Tigers finished the day in 11th place at 34-over par.
The team woke from its slumber for the last round of the tournament as four LSU golfers managed to shoot par or better, led by Loupe and sophomore Austin Gutgsell who both shot 1-under 69 for the day.
Loupe’s 69 was good enough for runner-up honors in the tournament, one stroke behind junior Jonathan Randolph of Ole Miss.
The Tigers finished the tournament in fifth place, and will look to carry their strong final round performance over to the John Hayt Invitational at the Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., on Feb. 28.
 
—-Contact Luke Johnson at [email protected]