MARYSVILLE, Calif. - This week, Simpson University's men's golf team traveled to Marysville, CA, for the Chico State Wildcat Classic. In a competitive field with 14 schools, 12 of which Division II, and 86 athletes, Simpson finished in 14th position with a three-round total of 903 (+39)
DAY 1
On Monday, Sept. 15, the Red Hawks played 36 holes which made for a long, sunny day with highs of 92 degrees.
Justin Kiester, last year's Simpson Athlete of the Year, opened with a 76 (+4), followed by a blistering 69 (-3) to leave him in 43rd at 1-over heading into day two.
"I didn't have the best start, but walking out there with God on my side helped me persevere and come out with a great finish," Kiester said.
Ty Salvador put together rounds of 71 (-1) and 75 (+3) for the first day which put him in 53rd position heading into the final round.
Two double bogeys plagued Ethan Phillips' first round, where he signed for a 78 (+6).
"The first round was a little rough. The big numbers ruined my round. I feel like it was just scrappy overall," Phillips said.
A second round where Phillips made five birdies and shot 74 (+2) left him at 8-over for the tournament.
"I played well at the start and was 3-under at one point but let some get away. I definitely can be way better, so hopefully tomorrow goes well," Phillips said after his second round.
Leon Braumann, a freshman from Germany, and Drew DeGeorge, rued missed opportunities on the first day as they finished up their first 36 holes at +13 and +20 respectively.
"The round was tough. The course is tight if you're missing fairways and not striking the ball great. Looking for a better day tomorrow," DeGeorge said.
The Red Hawks finished day one in last place with a cumulative score of 600 (+24).
Day 2
After a tough first day, Head Coach Jason Deaver told his players that the second round was more like what he wanted to see and that a stronger work ethic will translate to better results in the future.
After a cool morning, temperatures later peaked at 91 degrees, Phillips started strong at 2-under through eight holes. A couple of bogeys on his back nine, followed by a triple bogey on his penultimate hole meant he closed the tournament with a 75 (+3). A solid tournament where he finished at +11.
Salvador, who made nine pars to start his round, went cold on the back nine with two double bogeys and a bogey. But an eagle and a birdie on his last two holes put him at 74 (+2). He ended the tournament in 52nd place at +4.
"It was a struggle out there," Salvador said "Today, I wasn't hitting the ball as well as the first and was dealing with some back pain. I was able to adapt and finish strong. I'm proud of how hard I worked and how far I've come. All-in-all, not my best week, but proud of how I finished. On to Running Y!"
Kiester put together a round of 76 (+4) to put him one stroke behind Salvador at +5, placing 56th.
Braumann followed rounds of 80 (+8) and 77 (+5) with a 78 (+6) to finish in 81st position.
"It was my first tournament in college, and then a DII tournament straight away was a really special experience for me," Braumann said.
"After the initial nervousness, I was able to really enjoy the tournament and the great course."
DeGeorge was unable to turn his form around as he followed rounds of 81 (+9) and 83 (+11) with another 81 (+9) to put him in 84th place.
"There's hope, but we have a long way to go," Coach Deaver said.
"We had a wake up call and got to see what the next level is like," he concluded.
The Simpson Red Hawks travel to Klamath Falls for Oregon Tech's Run-In at the Ranch, played at the Running Y resort on Sept. 29 & 30.
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