USC men's golf finished its memorable 2015 campaign on Wednesday with a loss in the national championship match to LSU, ending the best season in program history. The Trojans upset many top competitors in their run to the title match including No. 2 Texas and No. 4 Illinois before falling to the No. 9 Tigers.Â
With their eyes set on the program's first-ever NCAA men's golf title, the Trojans kept every match close throughout the morning, but could not finish the task, ultimately losing, 4-1, to LSU. Senior Eric Sugimoto wanted to end his USC career on a high-note and secured the only point for the Trojans in the championship match. He's had an impeccable playoff run, winning his match against Illinois and ending his match against Texas with a tie when time was called. The senior also led USC both days during stroke play at 2 under.Â
Fortunately, USC returns all but one member of its NCAA runner-up roster next season, and the team can now turn its attention to bringing home the program's first national championship in 2016. The valuable postseason experience gained by sophomore Rico Hoey and freshman Sean Crocker is sure to help the Trojans as they look ahead to next year. Hoey was up early in his match on Wednesday, but found himself down one after 11 holes before rallying to make a valiant comeback down the final stretch that ended when he halved 17. Freshman sensation Sean Crocker also showed promise throughout most of the day, staying square until he dropped three in a row on 14, 15 and 16.Â
"I think it's great that four of the guys will be here next year," said sophomore Bobby Gojuangco, who won both of his matches against Illinois and was tied when LSU clinched the championship match. "We've all had such a great week and played seven straight days of really good golf. I think next year is going to be really good."Â
This championship run is the closest USC has ever come to a national title, previously finishing in third place seven times, most recently in 2008.
