June 1, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Playing in ideal weather conditions, sophomore Tom Johnson (Fair Oaks, Calif./Del Campo) turned in his best round of the week -- a 1-under 70 -- to finish 10-over and place 86th at the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships.
Minnesota, ranked no higher than 18th in the national polls, became the first northern school to win the national team championship since Ohio State -- the host of this year's tournament at its Scarlet Course -- won the 1979 title behind current pro John Cook. The Gophers scored a four-stroke win over Georgia Tech.
Tech's Troy Matteson won the individual title, shooting a 4-under 67 to finish at 8-under 276, one stroke better than Texas Christian's Adam Rubinson. Oklahoma State's Hunter Mahan was third, and third-round leader Graeme McDowell of UAB and Minnesota's Justin Smith tied for fourth at 5-under 279.
Johnson (72-75-77-70=294) totaled three birdies and just two bogeys for his last 18 holes.
For information on the tournament, and to check out the complete individual and team results, visit Golfstat Live and Ohio State web site.