Van der Wath wins second tournament, Jags edge field at UHV Fall Classic
Joshua Van der Wath maintained his recent form to win his second consecutive tournament on Tuesday.
The junior from South Africa fired a final-round one-under 71 at Victoria Country Club to win the individual title at the UHV Fall Classic and help the UHV men's golf team edge Blinn College by one stroke.
The Jaguars shot a three-day score of 899 (301-302-296) to hold off the Buccaneers' rally (302-306-292—900). It's the men's fifth consecutive win at VCC dating back to last year's UHV Fall Classic.
Van der Wath finished six strokes clear of Texas A&M-San Antonio's Jacob Pena and Blinn's Jacob Holloway.
"I think this week, a lot of the guys, besides Josh obviously, brought their B and C games," said head coach Garrett Adair. "But they grinded. That's the thing I love about this team, they never give up. Some days, they know 75 or 78 is going to get the job done."
Van der Wath finished at two-under for the tournament (69-74-71—214). He led the field in birdies with 13 through the three rounds. He's shot seven-under in his last four rounds at VCC going back to the tri-match with Prairie View and Texas Southern on Oct. 3.
"It's a really good feeling," Van der Wath said. "Obviously, winning twice, especially at our home course, feels good. To be able to play the golf I'm playing right now, I'm just very confident in my swing. I don't feel like I can do a lot wrong. It feels like all the hard work I put in over the summer is starting to pay off."
Van der Wath, who has been at UHV for the program's three conference championships, understands the expectations of the program and is pleased he's been able to carry the torch recently.
"It definitely makes me very proud," Van der Wath said. "It's nice to be able to kind of show the young guys we can do it all the time if you keep working hard and keep your mind on your golf, and performing the best you can."
The Jaguars got a Top 10 finish from Enzo Dakiche (79-76-73—228, T-9th) and a Top 15 finish from Paul Chopin (79-76-75—230, 12th).
Nathan Biais (80-76-77—233, 16th) and Richman Houston (74-77-83—234, T-17th) both finished inside the top 20.
Competing as an individual, Edgar Hinojosa (84-81-73—238, T-26th) was one of four players to make an eagle in the tournament, which helped him to a final-round 73.
Tuesday completed UHV's fall schedule. The Jaguars will announce their spring schedule at a later date.
Other scores for UHV: Cort Tunall (80-79-79—238, T-26th), Hayden Hardwick (85-75-80—240, 32nd), Gabriel Guerrero (82-84-78—244, T-40th).