PSU Brandywine, Fayette, and Hazleton Win Lehigh Valley Invitational Ryder Cup Event

Easton, Pa. - Seven PSUAC schools participated in the Penn State Lehigh Valley Invitational on Tuesday, played as a Ryder Cup-inspired event at Riverview Country Club in Easton, PA. Brandywine, Fayette, and Hazleton competed as Team USA, while hosts Lehigh Valley grouped with Mont Alto, Scranton, and York as Team Europe. Perfect weather and challenging pin positions made the unique format an even more memorable day.

 

After six holes in the alternate shot format – an early test of partnerships and confidence – Team USA held a narrow 4-3 lead. Team Europe promptly reversed that to a 6.5-7.5 deficit by a strong showing on the following six holes of better ball of partners. It was obvious both teams were beginning to find comfortable alliances, and the prize was still up for grabs. But it was Team USA (Brandywine, Fayette, and Hazleton) that would eventually win the cup 15-13, taking an impressive 8.5 of the 12 remaining points in the head-to-head singles matches on the final six holes.

 

In the competition for most points by partners in the three flights*, Lehigh Valley's Ian Masenheimer and Connor Nelson took home medals for earning 15.5 of 24 points in the "A" bracket, while Brandywine captured the other two honors. Zak Karlton and Pat Farrell took 13.5 points in their "B" flight match, while Marge Reynolds and Jack Beck carded an impressive 22 points on their way to victory in the "C" flight.

Most teams will meet again May 9-11 for the USCAA Invitational at Penn State's Blue Course, where the PSUAC Championships will be held concurrently.