South Carolina shot the best final round at the Pullman, Washington Regional to force a playoff for the final qualifying spot. The Gamecocks beat Colorado State for fifth to advance to the NCAA Finals. (USC Photo)

The Gamecocks started the final round of the Pullman, Washington Regional outside the group of five teams that would advance to the finals.

The Gamecocks started in 7th place. USC had to catch UCLA and Colorado State to move into the fifth qualifying position.

The Gamecocks answered the challenge not once but twice on the last day. USC carded the second best round of the championship shooting a 13-under par 267 to force a playoff with Colorado State.

Playoffs at an NCAA Regional includes all five team members with the four scores counting in the playoff.

The Gamecocks first wave of Caleb Proveaux and Ryan Hall finished even with the two Colorado State golfers.

USC coach Bill McDonald hugs his players after the Gamecocks pull off an amazing final day at the NCAA Regional to earn a trip to the national final in Arkansas. (USC Photo)

In the second wave, five of the six golfers made the green. USC’s Will Miles had a long putt, Scott Stevens had a 15 footer for birdie and Ryan Stachler needed to make a 6-footer for birdie.

Miles and Stevens got close, but it turned out to be Stachler’s birdie and the two pars from his teammates to win the ticket to the nationals.

While the playoff is the headline the outstanding play of the Gamecocks in the final round just to get to the playoff is noteworthy.

Scott Stevens shot a 5-under par 65. He got support from Will Miles and freshman Ryan Hall who each posted 4-under par rounds to help the Gamecocks finish at 13 under par in the final round.

The Gamecocks join Texas A&M, Brigham Young, Oklahoma and Georgia Tech to advance from the Regional played at Palouse Ridge Golf Club.

Individually Scott Steves finished in a tie for third place. Stevens carded a 12-under par total to finish three shots behind medalist Rehtt Rasmussen from Brigham Young.