Oct. 18, 2011

Lone Star Invitational Results

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Baylor men's golf senior Joakim Mikkelsen narrowly missed posting his second career victory, finishing second Tuesday at the Lone Star Invitational. The 18th-ranked Baylor men's golf team finished fifth overall, carding a three-day score of 8-over (283-287-302=872).

Despite facing extremely windy conditions, Mikkelsen was in contention to win the individual title, as he made the turn to the back nine. The Drammen, Norway, native shot 3-over 75 during Tuesday's final round, falling one stroke behind individual medalist, Rice's Jeff Wibawa, who shot a final-round 72.

Mikkelsen, who was one of only six golfers to finish the tournament under-par, has posted four straight top-10 and back-to-back top-five finishes. Mikkelsen now ranks fifth in program history in both career top-five (eight) and top-10 finishes (15).

"Joakim gave himself some chances to win it," head coach Greg Priest said. "He's disappointed that he didn't win, but he did put himself in position. He's played extremely well thus far and he's a tough competitor, so I know he'll continue his high-level of play."

No. 16 New Mexico held on to win the Lone Star Invitational, shooting 3-under 861. Texas A&M and North Texas tied for second at 5-over 869, followed by Texas State in fourth at 6-over 870 and Baylor in fifth. None of the 15 teams participating in the Lone Star Invitational shot under-par during Tuesday's final round. Texas State (294) was the only team to shoot below 300 in the final round.

"Just by looking at the scores, you can tell everyone had the same tough conditions," Priest said. "We were probably facing winds of 25-30 miles per hour, but it's definitely something we should be able to play in.

Junior Ryan O'Rear shot a final-round 74 to tie for 17th overall at 3-over (72-73-74=219), posting his fourth straight top-20 finish to start the season. Redshirt freshman Niclas Mansson, who was making his season debut, carded the lowest final-round for the Bears with a 73; Mansson tied for 23rd at 4-over (74-73-73=220).

Junior Jerry Ruiz tied for 44th at 10-over (73-73-80=226), while freshman Mikkel Bjerch-Andresen tied for 50th at 11-over (72-72-83=227).

"It was a tough day for everyone," Priest said. "It's one of those bad days we have to put behind us and move on to the next one. We'll see how we bounce back at Royal Oaks."

Baylor will conclude its fall schedule Oct. 31-Nov. 1 when it co-hosts the fourth annual Royal Oaks Intercollegiate at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas.