Despite the close proximity to home and high team expectations, the No. 2 ranked Georgia men’s golf team was not able to produce a victory in the U.S. Collegiate Championship held at the Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta.

The Bulldogs finished in ninth place overall, 22 strokes behind tournament winner Southern California. Georgia played better in the final round on Wednesday, carding a 2-under-par 286, but were unable to overcome the large lead Southern Cal had accumulated. After finishing day one in ninth, shooting 14-over-par and 12 shots off the lead, the Bulldogs were looking to get back in the mix.

However, the team continued to struggle in the second round, finishing off with a 10-over-par 298.

“We played much better today,” Georgia coach Chris Haack said. “And that’s something we can build on. We’re not happy with the way we finished in the field, but we will keep working and keep moving forward.”

Sophomore Hudson Swafford finished 28th in the individual competition with a 6-over-par 222. Juniors Brian Harman and Adam Mitchell finished tied for 38th at 7-over-par 223 as Harman closed with a 2-under-par 70 and Mitchell with a 1-under-par 71.

In tournaments this spring, the Bulldogs have finished second once and third twice.

However, Haack has been understanding of the team’s results given the high level of competition this season.

“We have been in the hunt in every tournament this spring. That’s our No. 1 goal, to give ourselves a chance to win. I think these tournaments have really toughened us up, which will be great for the SECs and the NCAAs. The U.S. Collegiate is another tournament with a great field. We see the best teams in the country week in and week out,” Haack said.

The Bulldogs will look to rebound Friday through Sunday at the Augusta State Invitational at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta before the SEC Championship on April 18 at Sea Island.