The Seattle University men’s golf team shot its lowest round score versus par since returning to NCAA varsity status in 2008, posting a final-round total of nine-under-par 279 to finish in sixth place Tuesday at the Barona Collegiate Cup, hosted by San Diego State University at the Barona Creek Golf Club.
Joe Harvie (Orting, Wash.) shot a season-best round of five-under-par 67 to move up into a tie for 17th place in the final standings at 214 (-2). Harvie collected six birdies, including three birdies on the final five holes, along with an eagle on the par-five sixth hole against just three bogeys to earn his low score.
Ross Kukula (Ocean Park, Wash.) struggled Tuesday, shooting 78 (+6) to fall into a tie for 29th place with a three-round total of 218 (+2). Patrick Sato (Bellevue, Wash.) posted a final-round score of 68 (-4) for the second straight tournament, moving up into a tie for 34th place at 219 (+3) thanks to five birdies against just one bogey.
Jamie Hall (Seattle, Wash.) shot four under par on his final seven holes, including an eagle on his last hole, the par-five first hole, to shoot one-under-par 71 for the round and finish in a tie for 34th place at 219 (+3). Kyle Cornett (Mill Creek, Wash.) collected four birdies as he posted his best round of the tournament, shooting 73 (+1) to finish in a tie for 42nd place at 221 (+5).
“The guys grinded to the end and showed a ton of heart, something that can’t be taught. For that reason, I am excited about our progress,” Seattle U head golf coach Marc Chandonnet said.
The Redhawks combined for a final score of four-under-par 860, the third-best 54-hole score for the program since 2008 and the first time the team finished a 54-hole tournament under par. The third-round 279 tied for the lowest round score since 2008, first accomplished in the third round of The McLaughlin Sept. 17, 2011.
Host school San Diego State shot a tournament-low round score of 273 (-15) for a cumulative score of 833 (-31) to win by 12 strokes over the University of San Diego. Xander Schauffele of the Aztecs shot his second consecutive 64 (-8) to earn medalist honors by three strokes over teammate Nahum Mendoza III.
The Seattle University men’s golf team returns to California for the Folino Invitational, hosted by Cal State Fullerton next Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 16-17, at the Industry Hills Golf Club in City of Industry, Calif.