Strong Finish from Barcos Highlights Final Day of Fighting Irish Classic

SOUTH BEND, Ill. – Javier Barcos ended the day with three straight birdies to finish at 1-under and earn a share of 21st while the University of Utah men's golf team placed 13th on the final day of the Fighting Irish Classic, which took place on Monday at the Warren Golf Course.
 
"Javi had a really good finish, birdieing his final three holes," said coach Garrett Clegg. "We had some good moments, but overall, this was not close to how we expect to compete. We have a lot of lessons to learn and a lot of growth has to happen this year. We're excited for what's ahead and will work to make sure we are better at the Husky Invitational."
 
Barcos' 69 was the Utes' lowest third round score and he reached that number despite logging three early bogeys. Over his final 12 holes, however, the junior from Estella, Spain shot 3-under, including birdies on the seventh, eighth and ninth holes to close out his day. This strong finish resulted in Barcos jumping up 13 spots and sharing 21st with four other competitors.
 
Hunter Howe was responsible for Utah's second-lowest 54-hole score in South Bend and he also brushed off a tough start on Monday and was 2-under through his final 16 holes, birdieing the 15th and the second. Howe carded a 72 for the day, shot 3-over for the tournament and finished his first tournament as a Ute tied for 41st.
 
The squad's second-best Monday mark belonged to Davis Johnson, who entered the clubhouse with an even-par 70 and moved up 11 spots to capture a share of 45th. Johnson, who at one point in the final round rattled off three birdies in five holes, shot 5-over for the tournament.
 
Braxton Watts shot 2-under on the back nine and posted a 73 over the final 18 holes, putting him 16-over and in 80th, while Tanner Telford finished 83rd. As a team, Utah was 21-over.
 
Next Up
The next time the Utes will be in competition will be at the Husky Invitational, which is set for Sept. 19-20 in Bremerton, Wash.
 
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