In a quick turnaround, the Idaho men’s golf team traveled from Arizona to California in just two days to participate in three rounds of golf at the El Macero Invitational on Thursday and Friday. Despite having virtually no time for rest or practice, the Vandals placed 10th out of 14 teams.
Sophomore Enrique Marin led Idaho, carding an 8-over-par 224 to finish the tournament tied for 10th. Marin posted a team-best 1-over 73 in round two in the face of inclement weather and a painfully tough course.
Seattle University came out on top as four players finished in the top 20. Although Seattle’s top golfers, Patrick Sato and Kyle Cornett, finished tied for sixth and 10th respectively, they both had 8-over-par 80 rounds in the second.
Every team had trouble hitting fairways and greens in regulation, as the par-72, 7,097 yard course took its toll with some help from wet conditions. The only player to shoot under-par overall, UC Davis’ Ben Corfee, ended up as the first place medalist in the tournament, finishing with a 1-under 215.
Idaho senior Ryan Porch finished tied for 47th with an 18-over 234. Porch was 5-over on the front nine of the third round, but a strong, 2-under par on the back-nine would push his score down to a 3-over 75 on the day.
Idaho head coach David Nuhn had praise for freshman J.T. Bloomer, who helped to replace the lost second-round score of junior Hayden Ritter, who did not compete in the second playthrough. Bloomer contributed with a 3-over 75 in round three to finish with a 21-over 237, tying for 55th.
“Two of his three scores counted for us,” Nuhn said in a news release. “It’s important to note that a freshman can come in and help us that way.”
A tough tournament like this should help to prepare the Vandals for their next competition, the Big Sky Tournament. Idaho will return home to get some more practice in before hosting conference championship play, beginning on April 28.
Colton Clark can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @coltonclark95