TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona men's golf team concluded play at the 2016 Arizona Intercollegiate at Sewailo Golf Course, placing 12th out of 17 teams with a score of 903. The Wildcats opened with a round of 292, before following up with 311 and 300 for a +51 total.
Leading the Wildcats this weekend was senior Kolton Lapa. Lapa earned a share of 14th place with a score of 217, +4 (70-73-74). Lapa carded 11 birdies and an eagle throughout the competition. This is Lapa's best finish this season, and his best finish since the 2013 Arizona Intercollegiate where he tied for third with a score of 71-69-71=212 (-1).
"This week was a great one for me,” Lapa said. “The first two rounds I hit the ball pretty well, I felt I did that in my final round today but I just could not get the putts to go in. This is definitely a step in the right direction for me and this is only the beginning. Overall our team has some work to do before we leave for Hawaii but I'm confident our guys will get it figured out and I'm excited for our next event."
Added coach Jim Anderson: "Kolton really impressed me this week. His focus is razor sharp and despite a strong finish, he knows he can still improve. Look for more great things from him as he is really coming in to his own as a player."
Sophomore Jake Kreuz shared a pice of 51st place with a score of 76-79-72=227 (+14). Kreuz's score came off six birdies throughout the weekend. Freshman Tyler Moore placed 63rd with a score of 73-80-79=232 (+19) coming off eight birdies. Sharing a slice of 64th place was freshman Martin Larrea with a score of 73-85-76=234 (+21). Larrea carded six birdies in the two days of play. Sophomore Jordan Gumberg netted a 78-79-78=235 (+22) to give him a share of 77th.
Anderson noted: “Our team had a disappointing week collectively. Sewailo is a wonderful home and we prepared for this event all week knowing what to expect. I think we had a good game plan, but failed with our putting and scoring opportunities. The game is all about confidence and we let it crack after a tough stretch of holes yesterday. I was optimistic our team could overcome it because it was a home event. We know it takes more than one and we will have a competitive week in preparation of the event in Hawaii.”
Up next, the Wildcats will travel to Pacific Palisades and Hawaii to compete in the Northern Trust Open Intercollegiate Showcase and the John Burns Invitational on Feb. 15 and 17-18.
For more information and updates about the University of Arizona Men's Golf Team, follow @UAWildcatsGolf on Twitter, @uawildcatsgolf on Instagram and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ArizonaWildcatsGolf.
