Cougars, Markham Capture Paradise Valley Classic Titles

PHOENIX ---

The South Mountain Community College men's golf team won its sixth 2022 spring tournament by capturing the Paradise Valley Classic April 18-19 at Hillcrest Golf Course in Sun City West, Ariz. The Cougars finished at 26-under, 550 with a pair of 13-under, 275 rounds. Individually, sophomore Sean Markham won his second-straight tournament and claimed Individual Medalist honors at nine-under, 135. 

Markham opened with a three-under, 69 and then posted a six-under 66 in the second round to edge three teammates for his second win of the spring. Freshman Ethan Klose placed second at seven-under, 137 after posting rounds of 68 and 69. 

Sophomore Cecil Belisle was third at six-under, 138 with scores of 66 and 72, while sophomore Jake Carlson was fourth at four-under, 140 with scores of 72 and 68. 

Freshman Zachary Erskine was three-over, 147 with rounds of 72 and 75 to tie for 14th, and sophomore Jando Hernandez finished at nine-over, 153 (72 and 81) to finish 28th. As a team, SMCC won the event by 34 strokes over second-place Pima CC. 

The Cougars have won all six tournaments they have played in this spring, and they have produced the individual medalist honors at their last three events.