Feb. 17, 2009

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - Lamar had three players finish in the top six en route to winning the inaugural JU Invitational at the TPC at Sawgrass' Valley Course on Tuesday.

Lamar shot a final round 298 to finish at 889, one stroke ahead of Kentucky at 890. Tournament-host Jacksonville was third at 897 followed by Stetson at 902. The Cardinals were the only team to post sub-300 scores in all three rounds.

Lamar entered the day with a five-shot advantage, led by three at the turn and by four through 15 holes. But UK played the final three holes three shots better making the final margin the closest it had been since late in Monday's second round.

The tournament title is Lamar's 17th in the last four years - the most of any men's program in the nation. Oklahoma State has won 16 events since the 2005-06 season.

Justin Harding shot two-over-par 218 for the tournament to finish in third place following his final round 74. Leroux Ferriera and Hugues Joannes tied for sixth at five-over-par 221.

Xavier Feyaerts recorded a team-high 15 pars on Tuesday and tuned in a 76 for a 54-hole score of 235 and a tie for 27th. Kevin Hesbois finished tied for 29th after his final round 79 gave him a 236 total.

Lamar will be off for two weeks before returning to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for the third-consecutive year to participate in the General Jim Hackler Intercollegiate, March 7-8. The Cardinals won the event in 2007 and finished sixth last year.