SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Fred Biondi hoped he would have a decision to make Monday afternoon. One that would have major implications for his future.
Would he turn professional, which had been his plan all along, or would he remain an amateur for nearly another year.
The caveat? A Masters invitation on the line that would require him to stay an amateur until the 2024 event.
Well, Biondi now has that decision to make.
The senior at Florida came from five shots behind in the final round of stroke play Monday at the 2023 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship to win the individual title. Biondi shot 3-under 67 at Grayhawk Golf Club, surpassing Georgia Tech senior Ross Steelman late after the latter bogeyed his final three holes in a closing 3-over 73.
Biondi is the third Florida Gator to win the NCAA individual title, the last being Nick Gilliam in 2001.
Biondi had six birdies, a bogey and a double bogey. And now, he has an exemption into the Masters.
Golfweek/Sagarin rankings: Men’s team | Men’s individual
NCAA Leaderboard: Team | Individual | Photos
Steelman, who led after the first three rounds, reached the 16th hole at even par, but a three-putt dropped a shot. Then, his approach at the par-4 17th rolled off the front of the green, and he was unable to get up-and-down for par.
On 18, he blasted a drive down the middle but was unable to find the green with his approach, and he again couldn’t get in for par from the right rough.
The bogey on 17 tied Biondi at the top, then he took the lead when Steelman bogeyed 18.
Jackson Buchanan of Illinois had a chance to get to 7 under and force a playoff but his birdie putt on 18 missed to the right.
The 2022 champ, Gordon Sargent of Vanderbilt, finished tied for 40th.