Sept. 22, 2001
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The University of Arizona men's golf team posted the lowest team total in the final round Saturday to finish in third place at the William H. Tucker Intercollegiate.
The Wildcats, who opened the season ranked No. 2 in the nation, fired a final-round 285 (-3) to finish with a team total of 871 (+7), which was good enough for third place in the 20-team field. The Cats entered Saturday's final round in seventh place before making the charge to finish third. Dating back to last season, Arizona has now finished in the top-five places in its last five events.
Tournament-host New Mexico won the event with a total of 859 (-5), the only team in the field to finish under par. The Lobos finished 11 strokes ahead of runner-up Pepperdine (870). Brigham Young's Manuel Merizalde captured individual medalist honors with a three-round total of 209 (-7).
Leading the way for Arizona was freshman Kipp Riehle. Making his collegiate debut, Riehle shot a final-round 71 to finish in a tie for sixth place at 214 (-2). Included in the effort was a second-round 69. Two other UA golfers finished in the top 13 spots. Ricky Barnes, the Golf World magazine preseason Player of the Year, shot a 69 (-3) Saturday to finish in a three-way tie for 10th place at 217 (+1), while sophomore Chris Nallen finished tied for 13th place at 218 (+2).
Also competing for Arizona was freshman Nathan Lashley, who tied for 37th place at 223 (+7), and Reid Hatley, who tied for 60th place at 228 (+12). Two Wildcats competed as individuals in the tournament, as well. Brian Woolf finished tied for 57th place at 227 (+11) and Brandon Smith tied for 67th place with a 229 (+13) total.
The William H. Tucker Intercollegiate was contested at The Championship Course, a par 72, par 7,253-yard facility.
The Wildcats will next be in action on Sept. 28-30 at the Ping/Golfweek NCAA Preview in Columbus, Ohio.
Top 5 Teams Top 5 Individuals
1. New Mexico 859 (-5) 1. Manuel Merizalde, BYU 72-71-76=209 (-7)
2. Pepperdine 870 (+6) 2. Wil Collins, New Mexico 67-74-71=212 (-4)
3. ARIZONA 871 (+7) Michael Letzig, New Mexico 68-73-71=212 (-4)
4. UNLV 872 (+8) 4. Kevin Stadler, USC 72-73-68=213 (-3)
USC 872 (+8) Jason Allred, Pepperdine 72-72-69=213 (-3)
Arizona Finishers
T6. Kipp Riehle 74-69-71=214 (-2)
T10. Ricky Barnes 73-75-69=217 (+1)
T13. Chris Nallen 70-77-71=218 (+2)
T37. Nathan Lashley 71-78-74=223 (+7)
T57. Brian Woolf (Ind.) 74-76-77=227 (+11)
T60. Reid Hatley 75-77-76=228 (+12)
T67. Brandon Smith (Ind.) 77-77-75=229 (+13)
