Texas Wins 2007 USGA Men's State Team Championship

Buoyed by a 5-under-par 67 from Trip Kuehne, Texas successfully defended its USGA Men’s State Team Championship title, registering a one-stroke win over Georgia on the Fazio Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. Coupled with its win in 1999, Texas became the first to win three USGA State Team titles.

Kuehne, who had just returned from leading the USA to victory at the Walker Cup, opened the championship with a 68 and then shot a 74 in round two when Texas lost its lead to Alabama.

Terrence Miskell added an even-par 72 to give Texas a final-round total of 139. Jonathan Mathias had a non-scoring 75 in the 3-count-2 scoring format. Mathias, however, had his two previous rounds of 69 and 72 count.

“Any time you win a USGA championship, that’s the pinnacle of golf,” said Miskell, the only returning member from the 2005 team. “This is as good as it gets. We did not want someone taking the trophy from us on our own turf.”

Kuehne used his fine play as a catapult towards the U.S. Mid-Amateur, which he won two weeks later in Oregon.

“It’s nice to go out and play well,” said Kuehne. “And for once it’s nice to be a bride instead of a bridesmaid.” Kuehne was the runner-up to Tiger Woods at the 1994 U.S. Amateur and was seeking a USGA trophy to go with siblings Henry (1998 U.S. Amateur) and Kelli (1994 Girls’ Junior; 1995 and ’96 Women’s Amateur).

Alabama, the 36-hole leader, finished in a tie for third with Virginia. Will Swift (67-70-71) paced Alabama along with Steve Hudson (73-75-71) and Talbert Griffin (75-71-75). 

Second-place Georgia received a strong final-round 66 from Mark Strickland, but nobody else managed to break par the final day. David Noll Jr. had a 73 and Jeff Belk a non-counting 74.