Macpherson Earns Individual Medalist Honors as SMCC Men’s Golf Wins Third-Straight Event

The South Mountain Community College men's golf team won its third-straight tournament, capturing the Mesa Men's Invitational with a team score of 29-under 547 at Dobson Ranch on Feb. 23 and 24. Ryan Macpherson claimed Individual Medalist honors at the event, firing a seven-under 65 on the final day to finish at nine-under 135 for the tournament.

The top-ranked Cougars enjoyed stellar performances from several student-athletes. In addition to Macpherson's victory, Jonathan Walters placed second, Gabriel Salvanera tied for third, Sean Salisbury finished sixth and Matthew Halvorson tied for 10th.

On the first day of the event, SMCC held a three-stroke lead over the host Thunderbirds after carding an 11-under 277. The Cougars came out firing on the second day, finishing at 18-under 270 to win the event by 13 strokes.

Macpherson entered the second day tied for fourth after totaling a two-under 72. He proceeded to birdie the first hole and three more on the front nine. On the back nine, Macpherson eagled the par-5 13th hole and birdied 14 and 16 to put him at 10-under par. He overcame a bogey on 17 to par the 18th and claimed the individual medalist honors.

Walters finished one shot off his teammate, placing second after a five-under 67 on the second day. He carded four birdies on the front nine and a pair on the back end to finish at eight-under 136 for the event.

Salvanera moved up nine spots on the second day with an impressive five-under 67 to tie for third at five-under 139. His final round featured eight birdies, including three straight from 11-13, and three bogeys.

Salisbury held the tournament lead after 18 holes, finishing at five-under 67 on the first day. He recorded five birdies in the second round and finished sixth overall at four-under 140.

Halvorson was the fifth Cougar to finish in the top 10, recording a one-under 143 for the tournament. He was at even-par after the first day and shot a one-under 71 in the second round to tie for 10th.

Caden Weber tied for 12th at the event, finishing at an even-par 144 over the two days. He sat at one-under after the first day and shot a 73 in the second round. He also produced an eagle on the par-5 13th hole.

Currently ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA Division II national rankings, the Cougars return to action on Mar. 9 with a tournament hosted by Eastern Arizona at Mount Graham Golf Club.