MacPherson Claims Individual Medalist as SMCC Wins South Mountain Classic

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's golf team won the South Mountain Classic April 12-13 at The Legacy Golf Resort with a 10-under 558 and sophomore Ryan Macpherson captured his second individual medalist honor of the 2021 spring with an 11-under, 131 over the two rounds. The Cougars and Macpherson won by eight strokes, respectively, as SMCC performed outstandingly at its home tournament. 

As a team, the Cougars fired identical rounds of five-under, 279 over the two days to topple seven of their Arizona Community College Athletic Conference rivals. Glendale CC was second at two-under, 566 and Paradise Valley CC was third at one-under, 567. SMCC held a four-stroke lead over the Gauchos after the first round. 

Individually, Macpherson opened the tournament with a seven-under, 64 and then carded a four-under 67 to finish at 11-under, 131 for the event. After three straight bogeys to open his second round, Macpherson carded seven birdies over the next 15 holes, including four of the final five holes on the front nine. He also won the season-opening Mesa CC Invitational on Feb. 16-17 with a nine-under, 135.  

Damon Vilkauskas tied for fourth at the tournament, finishing at two-under 140. He recorded identical rounds of 70, and he had four birdies in his second round. Leon Acikalin finished ninth at even-par, 142 for the two days. In the second round, he finished with four birdies. 

Jando Hernandez moved up four places on the leaderboard over his second round, tying for 13th with a three-over, 145. He had three birdies over his final 18 holes. Nick Hedman placed 17th with a four-over, 146, and carded two rounds of 73 with a birdie in his second round. 

Finally, Jake Carlson tied for 23rd at the event, moving up from 29th after the first round. He finished at seven-over, 149 and carded a second round of 73 with one birdie and one eagle. 

The Cougars return to action April 19-20 at the Paradise Valley CC Invitational at Gainey Ranch Golf Course in Scottsdale.