Whatley Captures 2017 Janney Invitational

Monday, September 18

Richmond, VA

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Rutgers University

Janney Invitational

Sep 19 | Men's Golf

Rookie cards three-under-par 69 in final round to secure individual title for Rutgers men’s golf

Final Team Scores | Final Player Leaderboard | Final Invitational Statistics

RICHMOND, Va. – Oliver Whatley captured the 2017 Janney Invitational after the freshman carded a three-under-par 69 in the final round of play on Tuesday at the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond. Whatley, who competed as an individual for Rutgers men's golf, finished the three-round invite at 10-under-par (206: 65-72-69) to place atop the 72-player field.

In just his second career collegiate tournament, Whatley closed out play one stroke ahead of three other competitors to secure the individual title. The Rockville, Maryland, native used three birdies and an eagle on the fourth hole during his final 18 holes to produce the victory.

VICTORY! Freshman Oliver Whatley cards a three-under-par 69 in the final round to capture the 2017 Janney Invitational. pic.twitter.com/oJR6Yc5cjI
— RU Mens Golf (@RUMensGolf) September 19, 2017

Whatley becomes the first individual champion for RU since Jacob Stockl claimed the 2013 Rutgers Invitational. Whatley also led the field in par four scoring at -7 (3.77) with 13 brides and an eagles during the 54 rounds.

"We couldn't be more excited for and proud of Oliver," said head coach Rob Shutte. "He was able to control his emotions from start to finish. Oliver is just getting his feet wet when it comes to collegiate golf, but he made the proper adjustments down the stretch. He's such a good kid, so we're extremely proud of him and his performance today."

"I'm really excited," Whatley said after the win. "My ball striking was really good and I putted really well. I just knew I needed to keep doing what I was doing well. I hit the shots I needed to to score."

Whatley is in at -10 and currently leads the field at the Janney Invitational. Waiting for others to finish up their final holes. pic.twitter.com/NDuJ48WPKz
— RU Mens Golf (@RUMensGolf) September 19, 2017

As a program, Rutgers finished seventh with a four-under-par 860 (289, 288, 283), which included a five-under-par 283 in the final round. Toks Pedro produced his second top 10 finish in as many invitationals, as the senior captain tied for 10th with a five-under-par 211 (71-71-69).

"Team wise, I loved the way we finished," Shutte said. "The course set up for good scores and we took advantage of that. We closed out holes on the final day, so I'm proud of how we were able to finish the tournament."

West Virginia captured the team title with a 22-under-par 842 (286-275-281). Virginia Tech finished second at 14-under-par (850: 284-286-280), with Maryland third with a 13-under-par 851 (851: 284-284-281).

Pedro saved his best round for his final one, as the Lagos, Nigeria, native came in at three-under par to close out Tuesday with a 69 scorecard. Pedro collected five birdies and 11 pars in his final 18 holes of play.

Freshman Christopher Gotterup moved up three spots to tie for 12^th with a four-under-par 212 (70-72-70). The rookie produced two birdies and 16 pars on to finish with a two-under-par 70 in the final round.

Senior Jack Panagos tied for 28th with a two-over-par 218 (74-72-72), as he used two birdies and 14 pars to finish even in the final round. Senior captain Matt Holuta tied for 35th with a three-over-par 219 (74-73-72), while freshman Putt Sridama tied for 65th with a 13-over-par 229 (78-73-78).

Rutgers continues its fall season Oct. 8-10, when it competes in the Mountaineer Intercollegiate in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers men's golf, follow the program on Twitter (@RUMensGolf) and on Instagram (rutgersmensgolf).