OKATIE, S.C. — For the first time since 2016, the Virginia Tech men's golf team claimed a team title in wire-to-wire fashion at the Oldfield Invitational. The two-day tournament was hosted by George Washington at Oldfield Golf Club, Feb. 8-9.
Behind a blistering 28-under 836 (276-280-280), the Hokies posted a 22-shot victory over second-place Cincinnati. All eight Tech golfers who traveled finished in the top 20; six of whom finished in red figures.
It was Tech's first team title since Sept. 19-20, 2016 (Janney VCU Shootout), and the first win by the Hokies under the direction of second-year head coach Brian Sharp.
In addition to winning the team race, Daniel Azallion represented the Hokies atop the individual leaderboard. The sophomore rode a strong start on his way to a 1-shot victory over Cincinnati's Ty Gingerich. Perhaps foreshadowing how the tournament would go, Azallion eagled the par-5 fourth hole during the opening round – his first hole of the day – en route to an eye-opening, 8-under 64. Azallion finished at 9-under 207 (64-70-73), which included 15 birdies.
Teammate Mark Lawrence Jr. joined Azallion in the top three, signing for a 6-under 210 (71-70-69). Cameron Moore (ninth / 214), Connor Burgess (T10th / 215) and Connor Johnson Jr. (T10th / 215) rounded out the Hokies' lineup.
Bradley de Beer, Charlie Hanson and Kobe Valociek competed as individuals for Tech. Hanson tied for third at 6-under 210 (72-71-67). The freshman from Richmond, Virginia, carded the most birdies in the field (16) and tied for the lead in par-3 scoring (-3). De Beer and Valociek tied for 20th at 222.
The Hokies' third tournament of 2021 is scheduled for March 1-2 at Pinehurst #2. The two-day event will be hosted by Wake Forest.
