LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — The Columbia men's golf team successfully defended its title at the Columbia Autumn Invitational, which was held Saturday and Sunday at the Lake Placid Club's Links Course. The Lions won the 11-team tournament at 16-under-par 836.
 
The Lions have now won the Columbia Autumn Invitational three years in a row. They entered the final round with an eight-shot lead on Dartmouth and fought off the Big Green's (-13) Sunday charge. First-year Grant Lester and senior Wyatt McGovern led the final-round effort, each carding a 4-under 67. Lester (-4) climbed to fifth, earning his third top-10 in as many tournaments, while McGovern (-2) tied for 10th to post his 10th career top-10.
 
Leading the Lions on the individual leaderboard was junior George Rubelsky. Following a career-best opening 36 on Saturday, Rubelsky steadied his way through a final-round 73. The Phoenix native earned a runner-up with a tournament total of 8-under-par 205, his best career finish and his best career 54-hole total.
 
"I'm extremely proud of the continuation of our forward progress," Director of Golf Rich Mueller said. "We have been in contention going into the final day in every single tournament so far. It shows a lot of moxie on the part of both the upperclassmen and the younger guys – they believe they can win every single week.
 
"We still have some things to work on and work out but I think what you're also seeing is some really amazing performances from multiple players. It's incredibly exciting because it shows we are not a one-trick pony and any one of these guys can be in contention in every single tournament."
 
Columbia wraps up its fall schedule at the Georgetown Intercollegiate. The tournament takes place October 14-15 at Echo Field Country Club in Westfield, New Jersey.
 
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