October 23, 2024 • by Scoreboard / Photography: University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina put down a marker at its home tournament, beating a host of top-50 teams to win The Williams Cup at Eagle Point.
Senior David Ford, #4 in the first National Collegiate Golf Rankings of the season, made it a Tar Heels double by defending his individual title, claiming a second win of the fall season and a fourth of his college career.
Arizona State led UNC by seven at the one point of the third round but Andrew DiBitetto’s team shot 11 under par on the back nine to take the victory and a 23rd team title in the Head Coach’s eighth season in charge.
Ford and UNC had closed the gap to a single stroke by the time the left-hander stepped onto the 16th tee. The senior’s 23-foot birdie putt found the hole and was greeted with a loud ‘Boom’ from the man wielding the putter.
It proved to be the decisive blow, getting Ford to 10 under for the tournament and his team to 16 under, one too good for Arizona State and Sun Devil Connor Williams.
Ford (above) is now 25 under par in four appearances and 12 career rounds at The Williams Cup. His finishes have been 2-T2-W-W.
‘I love this place,’ Ford remarked after his latest win. ‘Ever since I first stepped foot on it I feel like it’s the favorite course I’ve ever played… It’s been an amazing four years at this place.’
Afterwards, Coach DiBitetto singled out freshman Ethan Paschal and sophomore Hampton Roberts for praise. Paschal closed with a 69 (-3) while Roberts went one better, with a bogey-free back nine that included three birdies.
Reigning NCAA champs Auburn finished in third on 12 under par, with the Tigers’ Josiah Gilbert closing with a 69 (-3) to take the final place in the individual standings.