Men's golf team wins District 4 Preview title

The Eastern Florida State College men's golf team battled harsh conditions to win the District 4 Preview Tuesday afternoon at Duran Golf Club.

The Titans finished with a round of 293 to finish the three-round tournament with an 873, 33 strokes ahead of second-place Central Alabama Community College. And it was a true team effort as three of the five players made the all-tournament team.

"I think it was about surviving as much as anything," sophomore Fraser Davren said of his final round. "It is a battle from the first tee shot to the final putt but we dealt with it well and that is a testament to coach (Jamie) Howell and how he prepares us."

Mathieu Echelard finished with a third-round best 69 with no bogeys and three birdies in the morning round.

"Everything was really good, long game was good and I made a lot of pars today," said Echelard who placed second overall with a 71-74-69—214. "I just missed some putts in the second round, but I am proud of my game."

Davren was two strokes behind Echelard, placing third in the tournament with rounds of 72, 69 and 75. Teammate Ryan Rozic placed fourth overall with a 73-74-73—220.

"Today was a little bit harder conditions, it always helps playing on your home course," said Rozic who has played at Duran Golf Club since high school. "I hit the ball well and made a couple of putts, it was a solid week."

Kyle Decenzo placed sixth overall, shooting a 223 with rounds of 75, 72 and 76 while Beck Fox shot 78 in each of the three rounds for the Titans.

Overall, Wallace State's Brandon Lacasse won medalist honors with a 213, shooting back-to-back 70s after an opening-day 73. Lacasse, Echelard and Davren were the only three players to finish the tournament under par.

The Titans also finished with six of the 14 rounds under par for the tournament and Davren and Echelard's round of 69 was the best for the tourney.

Eastern Florida State College will compete in the Collegiate Players Cup Oct. 20-21 at Rockledge Country Club.