FORMER RAM EARNS TOP FIVE FINISH; GRIFFIN AND NADEAU CHARGE UP THE CHARTS
MIDLOTHIAN, Va.—A former Virginia Commonwealth University golfer claimed a top five finish, while two current Rams climbed up the charts on the final day at the SunTrust State Open of Virginia at Independence Golf Club. Steve Jenkins fired a final round 67 to close the tournament with a 6-under 282 and finish in a tie for fifth place. Jenkins’ top-10 finish earns him an automatic invitation to next year’s event.

Current Rams Lanto Griffin (Blacksburg, Va.) and Vincent Nadeau (Penhook, Va.) each moved up the standings on the final day of competition. Griffin closed the tournament with a 5-under 67, giving him a four-day total of 289 (+1). Griffin finished tied for 23rd. Nadeau wrapped up the event with his second consecutive 2-over 75. He ended the tournament tied for 43rd at 9-over 297. Former Ram Ted Brown, who led the tournament after an opening round 66, finished tied for 13th after shooting a 77 on Sunday. Brown, the only VCU golfer to compete in four NCAA National Tournaments, finished at 2-under 286.

The SunTrust State Open of Virginia is a 72-hole, stroke play event with the field limited to 168 golfers—80 eligible Virginia PGA members and apprentices, 80 eligible amateurs, the defending champion, professional Josh Meador, and seven Open qualifier spots. The field was cut to the low 70 players and ties following the completion of 36 holes.

The non-exempt amateur field was filled at 11 zone qualifying sites throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The non-exempt professional field was filled at a PGA professional qualifier. The seven remaining spots were filled in the special Open qualifier for amateurs and professionals in Fredericksburg. Nadeau and Griffin automatically qualified by finishing in the top 10 at last year’s event.