Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. -- Hope sophomore Josh Gibson outlasted Wittenberg's Garrett Brickley on the first playoff hole to win the individual championship at the 2017 NCAA Division III Men's Golf Championships May 19.
He becomes the first-ever NCAA Individual Champion in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association history.
Gibson finished with a one-under 287, thanks to a five-under 67 on Friday to catapault him to the lead. Gibson started his final round with an eagle on the par-5 No. 1 hole and then added five birdies on the back nine to aid in his championship effort.
Gibson started the day in a tie for eighth place and moved up thanks to his five-under round, which was tied for the lowest individual round of the tournament.
Starting with back-to-back one-over 73s, Gibson moved from a 17th place tie to sole possession of ninth after two rounds. A two-over 74 pulled Gibson back to a four-way tie for eighth, setting up the sophomore's dramatic move on Friday.
Owning a two-shot lead heading into the clubhouse, Wittenberg's Brickley birdied his final two holes to force a playoff. It took just one hole to decide the champion, as Gibson turned in a par on the par-4 18th to prevail.
Tournament links
NCAA Division III Men's Golf page