ATLANTA, Ga. (October 29, 2025) \u2014 The Florida Gators capped off their fall season in style, earning their first East Lake Cup title with a thrilling 3\u20132 victory over top-seeded Virginia at historic East Lake Golf Club.<\/p>\n
In a rematch of the 2024 NCAA semifinals, the Gators flipped the script, with sophomore Parker Bell sinking a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to defeat WAGR No. 1 Ben James and clinch the deciding point.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting it to come down to the final hole like it did,\u201d said Bell. \u201cBut it\u2019s Ben James \u2014 he\u2019s going to be a PGA TOUR player. I had to fight to hold on, and that\u2019s what I did.\u201d Bell Delivers in the Clutch<\/p>\n
Bell appeared in full control with a 4-up lead through 13 holes, but James rallied, birdieing four of the final five to apply immense pressure. Bell matched birdies at 17 and 18 to seal the match and the championship, pumping his fist as teammates erupted around the green.<\/p>\n
It marked a defining moment for a Florida team that had fallen just short of the East Lake Cup title in its first appearance a year ago. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe had an incredibly tough and resilient group of guys today,\u201d said Florida head coach J.C. Deacon. \u201cThey played through extreme conditions \u2014 wind, rain, cold \u2014 and beat an incredible team.\u201d Early Momentum from Poulter and Swanwick<\/p>\n
Florida drew first blood thanks to junior Luke Poulter, who rolled in a birdie putt on East Lake\u2019s island green 15th to close out freshman Michael Lee 4&3.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always nice to get that first point,\u201d Poulter said. \u201cI think it leaves a message to the team to say we\u2019re here for business.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Gators\u2019 second point came from sophomore Zach Swanwick, who edged graduate student Paul Chang 2&1 with crucial birdies on the 13th and 17th holes.<\/p>\n
Virginia\u2019s Charge Falls Just Short<\/p>\n
Virginia, the 2024 NCAA semifinalist and East Lake\u2019s top seed, made the Gators earn every inch. Junior Josh Duangmanee defeated senior Matthew Kress 2-up, while senior Bryan Lee took down Jack Turner 3&1 to keep the Cavaliers\u2019 hopes alive.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a great fall. Playing match play is fun, and we don\u2019t get to do a lot of it. This tournament was a lot of fun overall.\u201d \u2014 Virginia head coach Bowen Sargent Consolation Glory for Ole Miss<\/p>\n
In the men\u2019s consolation match, Ole Miss topped Arizona State 3.5\u20131.5 to finish on a high note. Senior Tom Fischer secured a 3&2 victory, while Cohen Trolio (5&3) and Michael La Sasso (3&2) added key points for the Rebels.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo get a win here is a big accomplishment,\u201d said Ole Miss head coach Chris Malloy. \u201cTo beat a program like Arizona State and get some match play experience is awesome.\u201d Men\u2019s Championship ResultsFlorida (2) def. Virginia (1), 3\u20132Luke Poulter (Florida) def. Michael Lee, 4&3Matthew Kress (Virginia) def. Josh Duangmanee, 2-upZach Swanwick (Florida) def. Paul Chang, 2&1Parker Bell (Florida) def. Ben James, 1-upBryan Lee (Virginia) def. Jack Turner, 3&1Men\u2019s Consolation: Ole Miss (3) def. Arizona State (4), 3.5\u20131.5A Stage Built for College Golf\u2019s Best<\/p>\n
Now in its 11th year, the East Lake Cup mirrors the NCAA Championship format, showcasing four elite men\u2019s and women\u2019s teams in a three-day, match-play competition broadcast live on Golf Channel.<\/p>\n
Held at East Lake Golf Club, the home of Bobby Jones, the event benefits the East Lake Foundation, which supports community revitalization programs throughout Atlanta. Since 2015, the East Lake Cup has raised more than $2.5 million for the Foundation.<\/p>\n
Follow the East Lake Cup<\/p>\n
Golf Channel aired live coverage of Wednesday\u2019s finals from 11 a.m.\u20132 p.m. ET. Fans can stay connected with the event on X (@eastlakecup<\/a>, @golfchannel<\/a>), Facebook, and Instagram.<\/p>\n