Men’s Golf Opens Spring Season; Takes 3rd at Pala Mesa Invitational
February 15, 2007

Cougar men’s golf got off to a solid start to their spring season this week, placing 3rd in the 8-team field at the Pala Mesa Invitational. All seven Cougar golfers were within four shots of each other, with Markus Wendel and Scott Conway leading the way at +12 (228).

The three-round event, held at Pala Mesa’s par-72 6,502 yard course, was won by Loyola College, who bested Cal State Bakersfield by three shots. CSUSM went into the final day just seven shots off the lead, but settled into third with a total score of +47 (911), fifteen back of Loyola.

For the Cougars, the tournament confirms the team’s strong depth that we suspected going into the year. Wendel, competing in his first event for the Cougars, proved to be the solid player the coaches know him to be. Joining him at the top of the CSUSM scorecard was Conway – which is no surprise, given that the junior is the squad’s #1 golfer entering the spring. His first round 72 was the best for any Cougar in the tourney. Overall, Conway and Wendel tied for 12th with their +12 (228) scores.

But the difference from last year for the Cougars will be what happens after the top one or two guys. In this tournament, there was virtually no drop-off. Brandon Scolman and Ryan Brotman both posted +13 (229), tying for 14th right behind the top guys. Freshman Kyle Anderson tied for 16th with a +14 (230), and Matt Determan and Robby Davies rounded out the CSUSM scoring by shooting +16 (232), tying for 19th.

The fact that just 4 shots separated the squad’s seven golfers indicates that this will be a very competitive season for men’s golf – both in tournaments and within the team. The coaches expect the internal competition to drive the golfers, which should make this an interesting and memorable season for men’s golf!

Next up for the team is their home event, the Cal State San Marcos Invitational, which will be played at San Luis Rey Downs from February 18th-20th.