Jackson State Cruises to Payton’s 23rd Swac Golf Title

ALEXANDRIA, La. – Jackson State took all the drama out of the team race for the 2011 SWAC Men’s Golf Tournament title from the onset. The Tigers cruised to a 24-stroke victory Wednesday giving head coach Eddie Payton his 23rd title. The “Story”line of the day was Alabama A&M’s Bradley Story, who shot a 6-under 66 on the final day and came back from six shots down to win individual medalist honors at even par 216 for the three days at Links on the Bayou Golf Course.
Story’s improbable comeback included nine birdies and a red-hot 32 on the front nine. He trailed second-round leader Clay Myers of JSU by six shots heading into the final round. Myers carded a 75 on Wednesday to finish in fourth place individually. Story posted his 66 nearly an hour before the final groups played the final holes and made it stand.
Texas Southern’s Dominique Worthen and Alabama State’s John Montgomery actually were tied with Story standing on the 18th tee, but bogeyed and double-bogeyed the final hole, respectively, to finish at 217 (+1) and 218 (+2). Montgomery won the SWAC medalist honors two years ago as a freshman at this same course.
Jackson State’s Josh McCormick, playing separate from the team competition as an individual, provided the highlight of round three acing the 179-yard 14th hole. He finished tied for 15th overall.
The team competition provided little drama on the final day. Jackson State doubled its 12-stroke lead it held over Alabama State entering the day and were never seriously threatened
Individual Honors
Medalist – Bradley Story, Alabama A&M 75-75-66—216 (E)
Low Freshman Medalist – Justin Stills, Jackson State 71-77-72 – 220 (+4)
Coach of the Year – Eddie Payton, Jackson State
First-team All-SWAC – Bradley Story, Alabama A&M; Dominique Worthen, Texas Southern; John Montgomery, Alabama State; Clay Myers, Jackson State; Justin Stills, Jackson State
Second-team All-SWAC – Maurice Jefferies, Jackson State; Jonathan Coleman, Jackson State; Scott Benson, Alabama State; Gregory Robinson, Arkansas-Pine Bluff; Michael Bradham, Prairie View A&M