BIRMINGHAM — Auburn sophomore Blayne Barber (13-under) placed third at the 104th Southern Amateur, shooting 2-under in Saturday’s final round at the Shoal Creek Golf Club in Birmingham.

Barber held a slim lead through 13 holes before being overtaken by UCLA’s Patrick Cantlay (15-under) and a surging Alex Carpenter (16-under) of Abilene Christian. Carpenter, who shot 7-under final round to earn medalist honors, closed out his final five holes with two birdies and a converted 65-foot eagle putt on No. 17.

“The round was back-and-forth for most of the day,” said Barber. “I’m happy with my overall performance this week. I think I played well. There were a couple bad shots I made late in today’s round that
cost me a little, but I’m definitely pleased overall. This is a good tournament with an outstanding field.“

Barber entered the day in a three-way tie for the lead with Cantlay and Alabama junior Bud Cauley (11-under), who slipped into fifth.

During the four-day, 72-hole event, Barber carded 22 birdies and one eagle. The 2009 second-team All American tied fourth-place Cheng Tsung
Pan for lowest par-5 scoring, shooting 13-under through 16 par-5 attempts.

Currently ranked 26th in the Scratch Players World Amateur Rankings, Barber’s third-place finish ties his highest of 2010. The Lake City, Fla., native also placed third at the Jones Cup and most recently tied for fourth at the Players Amateur in Bluffton, S.C. In 2009, Barber claimed amateur victories at the St. Augustine and Florida Amateurs.

Barber, who redshirted the 2009-10 season after transferring from the University of Central Florida, was named to the 2008-09 Five-Man GCAA All-Freshman team and was a three-time Conference USA Golfer-of-the Week.

“I’m so excited for the fall season and to represent Auburn on the golf course,” said Barber. “It will also be fun to travel and compete with the guys you practice with everyday. This last year, sitting out the season, has gone fast and I’m looking forward to a great season of Auburn golf.“

Former Auburn All-SEC golfer Glenn Northcutt (8-under) carded a final round 68 at the Southern Am, tying for 10th followed by Auburn junior Kyle Kopsick (3-under) in 23rd. Former Auburn All-American and current Kennesaw State head men’s golf coach Jay Moseley (7-over) finished in 58th.