UF Men’s Golf: Florida Dominates in Final Round, Claims Title at Home
Courtesy of University Athletic Association
BY MORGAN PERRY
The Gators battled behind a 15-under final round to claim the title for the second consecutive year at the Gators Invitational presented by VyStar
The Florida men’s golf team dominated the final round of play at the Gators Invitational to claim their second title of 2021 and the second straight win at home.
Ricky Castillo entered the final round at even par before taking command as play came to a close. The sophomore, who claimed the individual title in last year’s Gators Invitational, recorded seven birdies and only one bogey on his way to a 6-under par round and finished competition in a tie for 11th individually.
Overall, transfer Yuxin Lin paced the way for Florida. The All-American transfer rode his momentum deep into the final round and finished with a bogey-free scorecard. Entering the day 3-under par, Lin’s five birdies propelled him to an 8-under par score of 202 and in a tie for sixth individually.
After a shining performance in the second round, freshman Joe Pagdin buckled down. Carding a bogey and a birdie within the first three holes, the England native found his stride and posted even par before a clutch eagle on the 17th hole put him 2-under on the day and in a tie for eighth at the conclusion of the tournament.
Fred Biondi turned in his best score of the tournament in the final round with the help of three birdies and an eagle over the first twelve holes.
Tyler Wilkes rounded out the lineup for the Gators, posting his third consecutive round under par to finish 5-under and tied for 18th individually – a career best.
Carlos Bustos highlighted the individuals for Florida, touting an even scorecard at the conclusion of three rounds to tie for 48th place.
Notable
 *  This is the second win of the season for the Gators and marks the second consecutive Gators Invitational team title.
 *  Sophomore Yuxin Lin led the Gators for the first time this season, posting a 5-under final round to finish tied for sixth.
 *  Freshman Joe Pagdin recorded his first collegiate top-10 finish.
 *  Ricky Castillo carded a 64 in the final round of play, catapulting him into the top 15 individually.
 *  Finishing in a tie for 18th, Tyler Wilkes carded his best finish of his collegiate career.
 *  All five Gators posted scorecards under par in the third round.
Head Coach JC Deacon’s Take
On the final round…
“To shoot 15-under and come back to win the title in those conditions while playing at home is so special. I’m really happy and proud of our guys and they truly showed how great they can be today. 15-under on your home course in the final round is certainly a great accomplishment. I want to thank Scott Hampton, Stewart Springer, Tyler Chandler, and everyone else at Mark Bostick Golf Club, Brenda Lembo, Mike Spiegler, Morgan Perry, Patrick Lewis, Beca Maynor, Garland Roland and the rest of our incredible UAA staff that gives us the opportunities for days like today. We will use this for motivation and continue to work to see how great we can be.”
On the field…
“Thank you to all the teams that came. It made up one of the best fields you will see in college golf this season. The coaches were incredibly patient and flexible when it came to the weather conditions this weekend. To be able to bring a first-class field like that to Gainesville is really special for us. “