Georgia junior Chris Kirk and Oklahoma State sophomore Pablo Martin are fast become college golf’s equivalent of Jack Nicklaus-Arnold Palmer circa the 1960s.
Like they did at last fall’s Isleworth-UCF Collegiate Invitational, where Martin edged his rival after making a tap-in eagle on the second to last hole, the duo waged a classic one-on-one duel for medalist honors at the Puerto Rico Classic two weeks ago. This time it was Kirk who came out on top, shooting a back-nine 30 in the final round (making seven birdies over his last 10 holes) to come from six back of Martin and win by a single shot. Kirk’s 11-under 205 matched the seventh best effort in school history and helped him claim his third career win while the top-ranked Bulldogs also won the team title by four shots over Florida (and 19 over third-place OSU).
Such a dual, mind you, isn't necessarily surprising to faithful readers of Campus Insider. Recall that at the end of the fall we picked Martin (bottom right photo, courtesy of OKState.com) as the player of the first half of the 2005-06 season, and Kirk (top right photo; courtesy of the University of Georgia) as the best player you'll hear about before the season ends.
The good news is we’ve got two more chances in the next 11 days to see Kirk and Martin go head-to-head as both the Bulldogs and Cowboys are in the field at the Southern Highlands Collegiate in Las Vegas March 10-12 and the Hall of Fame Invitational outside of Houston March 17-19. The two obviously bring out the best in each other, their friendly off-the-course relationship creating a good natured on-the-course rivalry. If one can get the better of the other in both tournaments, they have the inside track at winning player of the year honors.
Meanwhile, do you have another choice for who should be college player of the year for the men? Send us your choice by clicking on the "Comments" link below.
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