Sept. 10, 2012
WAYZATA, Minn. - Cal (No. 2 Golfweek, No. 3 Golf World/Nike) started its 2012-13 season by wrapping up a victory Monday at the 54-hole Gopher Invitational hosted by Minnesota. Cal (274-290-298 - 862, -2) maintained the 14-stroke advantage over second-place SMU (303-275-298 - 876, +12) the Golden Bears began Monday's third and final round with by matching the Mustangs' 10-over par round of 298 that was tied for the second best on a windy day in which no teams broke par at the par-72, 7,020 Spring Hill Golf Club.
"This was an absolutely fabulous way to start the season," head coach Steve Desimone said. "It was a somewhat inconsistent tournament. At times, we were absolutely brilliant and couldn't play any better. There was just enough great play to overcome the inconsistent play and put us over the top. Overall, it was the type of performance you would expect by one of the top team in the country."
Cal had three of the top four golfers on the final individual leader board, but a five-over par 77 by second-round leader Max Homa prevented him from picking up his second career collegiate victory. Homa (67-70-77 - 214, -2) was still able to finish in a tie for second place with teammate Michael Kim (71-72-71 - 214, -2), with both players one shot behind individual medalist Corey Conners of Kent State (75-70-68 - 213, -3), who surged to the victory with a four-under par 68 that was the lowest round of the day. Brandon Hagy (66-75-75 - 216, E) finished fourth two shots behind his teammates and three off the lead.
"I'm really excited that we lived up to the hype prior to the season," Homa said. "It's nice to start with a win, but this is only the beginning."
"It was a great start to the year," Hagy said. "We showed how deep this team is. It's just the first step to our ultimate goal this season."
Michael Weaver (70-73-78 - 221, +5) tied for ninth in the final standings, while Walker Huddy (76-78-75 - 229, +13) tied for 29th. Huddy moved up 25 spots on the final day with his best round of the event.
The Bears return to the course Sept. 23-25 for the Ping/Golfweek Preview at the Crabapple Course at the Capital City Club in Atlanta, which is the same site as the 2013 NCAA Championship. Georgia Tech will host both events.
Gopher Invitational (hosted by Minnesota)
Wayzata, MN - Spring Hill Golf Club (par-72, 7,020 yards)
FINAL TEAM LEADER BOARD (after 2 of 2 days/3 of 3 rounds/54 of 54 holes)
1. Cal (274-290-298 - 862, -2)
2. SMU (303-275-298 - 876, +12)
3. Arkansas (300-295-293 - 888, +24)
4. Kent State (297-283-314 - 894, +30)
5. New Mexico (304-281-310 - 895, +31)
6. North Texas (296-303-311 - 910, +46)
7. Oklahoma (299-297-316 - 912, +48)
8. Lamar (292-301-322 - 915, +51)
9. Arizona State (306-302-312 - 920, +56)
T10. Memphis (304-300-318 - 922, +58)
T10. Iowa (303-298-321 - 922, +58)
12. Charlotte (312-308-310 - 930, +66)
13. Minnesota (306-313-313 - 932, +68)
14. St. John's, MN (319-312-338 - 965, +105)
DNF. Penn State (310-DNF-309 - DNF)
FINAL PLAYER LEADER BOARD - INDIVIDUAL MEDALIST (after 2 of 2 days/3 of 3 rounds/54 of 54 holes)
1. Corey Conners (Kent State) 75-70-68 - 213 (-3)
PLAYER LEADER BOARD - CAL INDIVIDUALS (after 2 of 2 days/3 of 3 rounds/54 of 54 holes)
T2. Max Homa 67-70-77 - 214 (-2)
T2. Michael Kim 71-72-71 - 214 (-2)
4. Brandon Hagy 66-75-75 - 216 (E)
T9. Michael Weaver 70-73-78 - 221 (+5)
T29. Walker Huddy 76-78-75 - 229 (+13)
A full recap will follow.
