Cougar Men's Golf Wins Mesa Thunderbird Invitational

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's golf team won the season-opening Mesa Thunderbird Invitational on Feb. 2-3 at Dobson Ranch Golf Course. Darkness stopped the tournament's second round before play could be finished, so the first 27 holes decided the team and individual titles. SMCC took first at the event with a team score of -7, 425 with rounds of 285 and 140.

Carter Rowe paced SMCC with a second-place finish, posting a -4, 104. Rowe tied for the tournament lead after 18 holes, firing a four-under 68. He then posted a 36 on the first nine holes of play before play was suspended.

William Groom took third place with a -2, 106 after posting a one-under 71 and a 35 in action at the event. Cecil Belisle placed fifth with a one-under, 107. He opened with a two-over, 74, but returned with a 33 on the front nine. He completed his entire round before darkness set in and carded a 65 on the day. 

Ethan Klose finished one stroke behind Belisle at an even-par, 108. He opened with a one-under, 71, and recorded a 37 on the front nine. Zachary Erskine finished at one-over, 109, after posting 73 and 36. Jake Carlson finished at five-over, 113, with 74 and 39 for his rounds.