Simpson Pulls Away To Win College All-America Golf Classic
11/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Nov. 20, 2007
EL PASO, Texas (November 20, 2007) -- Wake Forest's Webb Simpson birdied five holes on the back nine of the final round to take medalist honors at the 33rd Annual Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic held at the 6,837-yard, par-71 El Paso Country Club.
Simpson, a senior from Raleigh, N.C., finished the final round with a seven-under 64 to finish the tournament 15-under par. It is the fourth best total in tournament history. Last year, Chris Kirk of Georgia set the standard with an 18-under par performance. Arizona's Ricky Barnes (2000) and Chris Nallen (2003) each finished the tournament at 17-under par en route to tournament titles.
Simpson is the second Wake Forest player to win the Western Refining College All-America Golf Classic, joining 1978 winner Gary Hallberg, who won by eight strokes over BYU's Bobby Clampett.
After a first round 62, Simpson had a four stroke lead, but he followed it up with a one-over 72 in the second round. This gave way to San Diego State's Aaron Goldberg, who entered the final round with a one-stroke lead at nine-under par.
Goldberg, a senior from Encinitas, Calif., finished second in the event with a final round 68 to finish 12-under par.
The final pairing of Simpson, Goldberg and Oklahoma State's Trent Leon, made the turn in a tight race, as Goldberg carried a one-stroke lead into the back nine at 11-under.
Goldberg birdied 10, but Simpson answered with birdies at No. 11 and No. 12 to tie for the lead. Goldberg regained the lead with a birdie on 14, but Simpson answered with birdies on 15, 16 and 17 to take the lead for good.
Charlotte's Corey Nagy was the biggest climber on the final day. After starting the day in 18th position, Nagy fired a final round 66 to tie for ninth.
In all, 15 of the 28 players finished under par on Sunday.
Each university that has a player participating in the tournament will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Over the past 32 years, the Sun Bowl Association has donated over $600,000 to collegiate golf through this scholarship program.
Players Mentioned
