Ryan Zech

Ryan Zech

Junior golfer Ryan Zech shot a 2-under-par 68 to earn a Top 10 finish at the 2014 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship on Monday, recording the top finish by a Tiger at the NCAA Championship since Rich Poe tied for fifth in 1963.  Zech finished the tournament in Hutchison, KS. at three under.  Zech tied for ninth overall, after finishing up with five birdies on Monday, including his third consecutive birdie on the par 4, 390-yard 18th hole. Zech finished the day four-under-par over his final 15 holes (following bogeys on the second and third holes), which included birdies on the fourth, seventh, 10th, 14th and 18th holes.

Emilio Cuartero (-2) also finished among the Top 20 overall, tying for 15th, one shot behind Zech. The senior from Lleida, Spain shot 69 on Monday, recording his ninth Top 20 performance of the season. With their Top 15 efforts both Zech and Cuartero earned All-America honors.

As a team, the Tigers finished in 20th place.  The top eight teams advanced to Tuesday’s match play.