SMCC Men's Golf Wins Season-Opening Mesa CC Invitational

The South Mountain Community College men's golf team won the Mesa Community College Invitational, held Feb. 15-16 at Dobson Golf Course. Sophomore Ryan Macpherson captured individual medalist honors at the event, firing a nine-under 135 over the two days to edge teammate Nick Hedman by one stroke. 

Playing in their first tournament in nearly 11 months, the Cougars put together a strong showing at the 2021 season opener. The team finished the two days at 548, improving by four strokes on the second day, and captured the team title by 34 strokes over second-place Paradise Valley CC. 

Individually, Macpherson carded a four-under 68 and a five-under 67 over the two days to finish at nine-under, 135. Hedman finished right on his heels, recording identical rounds of four-under 68 to finish at eight-under, 136. 

Damon Vilkauskas and Cecil Belisle each finished at three-under 141 for the event. Vilkauskas rebounded from an opening-round 73 to score a four-under 68 in the second round. Belisle carded rounds of 72 and 69 to match his teammate at three-under, 141 for the tournament. 

Jando Hernandez finished at even par for the event, scoring 144 over the two days. He opened the tournament with a four-under 68 and then recorded a 76 on the second day. 

Leon Acikalin was the sixth Cougar to compete at the event. He produced rounds of 72 and 75 to finish at three-over 147.  

The Cougars return to the links on Mar. 1-2 with a tournament Hillcrest Golf Course hosted by Scottsdale CC. 

Tournament Results

1. South Mountain CC -- 548

2. Paradise Valley CC -- 582

3. Eastern Arizona -- 583

3. Mesa CC -- 583

5. Glendale CC -- 590

6. Scottsdale CC -- 610

7. Estrella Mountain -- 634

8. Chandler-Gilbert CC -- 665