Results

GREENWOOD, S.C. | The third time was the charm for the Young Harris College men's golf program.

The Mountain Lions, who are ranked No. 32 in the latest Golfstat rankings, had leads after the the first day of their past two tournaments, but let them slip away in the final round each time. 

Young Harris broke through the win column for the first time since the fall of 2012 when the Mountain Lions led wire-to-wire to capture the Bearcat Golf Classic hosted by Lander University Tuesday (March 29) afternoon.

The Mountain Lions won the 17-team event with a 54-hole score of 871, two strokes clear of No. 21-ranked Lincoln Memorial University and three strokes ahead of Newberry College.

It was the fourth tournament win in the program's NCAA era history, but the first in a tournament this size. The other wins came in tournament with six or less teams.

"Words can't begin to describe how proud I am of these men," said Young Harris head coach Caleb Kelley  "We have been so close to breaking through all year and to do it this week, with this field, makes it really special. We have a lot to work on between now and the Peach Belt Conference Championship, but hopefully we can ride this momentum into the postseason."

Young Harris, which entered the final day of the tournament with a 12-stroke lead, shot 300 in the final round on the par 72, 6,800-yard Greenwood Country Club layout. 

David Wallin and Trey Pearson were the top Mountain Lion finishers as they completed the 54-hole event with a 217 score, good for a tie for sixth place. Wallin had the low round of the day for YHC with a 73 while Pearson carded a 76. Eli Crumley shot a 77 in the final round to finish in a tie for 13th at 218. Clark Melton and Adam Taylor each finished in a tie for 44th place at 226. The 226 tally for Taylor tied his career low for 54 holes.  Melton fired a 74 in the final round while Taylor registered a 78.

The Mountain Lions are off until April 15 when Young Harris opens play at the 2016 PBC Championship hosted by Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.