SMCC's Ethan Klose Competes in Inaugural Edition of The Thunderbolt

PHOENIX ---

South Mountain Community College men's golf sophomore Ethan Klose participated in the inaugural edition of The Thunderbolt, a golf tournament held at Sterling Grove Country Club Dec. 29-31. Part of the Patriot All-America Tournament at Wigwam Golf Club, Klose tied for 39th at +3 (219) after three rounds of competition with scores of 77, 72 and 70 on the par-72 course. 

Klose posted five birdies in the third and final round to finish at two-under, 70. In the second round, he had three birdies, and he added one in his opening round. Chaz Aurilia of the University of Arizona won on the second hole of a playoff, defeating Fresno State's Joseph Lloyd after both finished at -13 after three rounds. 

In 2022, Klose earned NJCAA First Team All-America and PING Second Team All-America honors after finishing sixth at the 2022 NJCAA Division II National Championships and helping the Cougars win their eighth National Championship in school history. He also earned All-Region and All-ACCAC honors during his freshman season.

The Patriot All-America is regarded as a top amateur event nationally, attracting PING All-America golfers from all three NCAA Divisions, NAIA and NJCAA rankings as well as from universities outside the United States.  The Arizona Golf Association (AGA), JDM Partners and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) partnering with the Folds of Honor Foundation to host the tournament. 

Named after the Air Force P-47 Thunderbolt, The Thunderbolt was added to the tournament week schedule to accommodate players who met the initial eligibility but did not make it into The Patriot. The Thunderbolt consists of players who are ranked in the top 1000 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), are PING Second, Third and Honorable Mention All-Americans from Divisions II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA, or are AJGA Second Team and Honorable Mention All-Americans.

Photos courtesy of Katie Goodwin.