PAYSON, Ariz. - Freshman Kevin Li of Seattle U men's golf claimed medalist honors at the 2024 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Championships, finishing with a three-round total of six-under 210 (69-72-69). Li becomes the first freshman to win the WAC Individual title since 2015 as well as just the second Redhawk to snatch the award and punch his ticket to an NCAA Regional. The event took place at The Golf Club at Chapparal Pines on the 6,947 yards course with a par of 72.
"Kevin truly deserves this win," said Head Coach Marc Chandonnet. "He is incredibly talented, hard working and thoughtful person. His trust in the information we provide and the communication we have regarding his continued improvement is something I will always cherish. This is just the beginning for Kevin and I am confident he will continue to lift those up around him and help this team continue to accomplish great things."
The native of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, was one of the top golfers from the very beginning of this event, opening the tournament with a three-under 69 round that placed him second overall. After an even round of 72 on day two saw him hold his place in second, Li claimed the individual title by just one stroke with another three-under 69 round on Sunday. The freshman finished in the top-five on the par four and par five scoring as well as made birdies (14).
"I would like to thank Coach Chandonnet and Duan," said Li. "I would like to thank my teammates and everyone that has shown us support all season. I wouldn't be here without you all."
The Redhawks went on to finish the event in ninth place overall.
Ben Ragland (76-78-75) was one of three Redhawks to record an eagle, while Will Koch (77-78-76) finished with the second most made birdies on the team (eight) and John Morrow (78-76-78) finished just one stroke behind him. Liam Gill (77-80) competed over the first two rounds, while Blake Kukula concluded the event with an 81 round.
The 2024 NCAA Tournament Selection Show will air Wednesday, May 1, at 11 a.m. Pacific on the Golf Channel. Li will be one of 15 total individuals vying for one of the six spots in the National Finals.
Donate Today
Fans interested in making a gift to Seattle University Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your gift directly impacts 350 Redhawk student athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. Thank you for supporting Seattle University Athletics!
Follow Along With the Action
Stay connected with Seattle U women's golf and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.
"Kevin truly deserves this win," said Head Coach Marc Chandonnet. "He is incredibly talented, hard working and thoughtful person. His trust in the information we provide and the communication we have regarding his continued improvement is something I will always cherish. This is just the beginning for Kevin and I am confident he will continue to lift those up around him and help this team continue to accomplish great things."
The native of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, was one of the top golfers from the very beginning of this event, opening the tournament with a three-under 69 round that placed him second overall. After an even round of 72 on day two saw him hold his place in second, Li claimed the individual title by just one stroke with another three-under 69 round on Sunday. The freshman finished in the top-five on the par four and par five scoring as well as made birdies (14).
"I would like to thank Coach Chandonnet and Duan," said Li. "I would like to thank my teammates and everyone that has shown us support all season. I wouldn't be here without you all."
The Redhawks went on to finish the event in ninth place overall.
Ben Ragland (76-78-75) was one of three Redhawks to record an eagle, while Will Koch (77-78-76) finished with the second most made birdies on the team (eight) and John Morrow (78-76-78) finished just one stroke behind him. Liam Gill (77-80) competed over the first two rounds, while Blake Kukula concluded the event with an 81 round.
The 2024 NCAA Tournament Selection Show will air Wednesday, May 1, at 11 a.m. Pacific on the Golf Channel. Li will be one of 15 total individuals vying for one of the six spots in the National Finals.
Donate Today
Fans interested in making a gift to Seattle University Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your gift directly impacts 350 Redhawk student athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. Thank you for supporting Seattle University Athletics!
Follow Along With the Action
Stay connected with Seattle U women's golf and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.