SMCC Men's Golf Rallies to Claim Gaucho Spring Shootout Invitational Title
PHOENIX ---
The South Mountain Community College men's golf team overcame a six-stroke deficit after the first round to win the Gaucho Spring Shootout Invitational at 10-under, 558 on Mar. 17-18 at Tres Rios Golf Course in Goodyear, Ariz. SMCC improved by four strokes over the second day to move past Eastern Arizona and claim the team title. Individually, sophomore Cole Finch and freshman Dillon Dean were among four competitors to tie for first at the event at 3-under, 139.
The Cougars opened with a 3-under, 281 and trailed Eastern Arizona by six strokes after 18 holes. However, SMCC stormed back in the second round to card a 7-under 277 and deefat the Gila Monsters by eight strokes on the final leaderboard.
Finch and Dean both carded strong second rounds to move into a tie for individual medalist. Finch opened with an even-par 71 and then posted a 3-under 68 over his second round after recording an eagle three on the 36th and final hole of the event. He had four birdies in his first round and three in his second round.
Dean, who won the Mountain Lion Spring Invitational last week, also had four birdies in his first round, three in his second, and carded an eagle three on the 36th hole of the tournament. He opened with a 1-under, 70 and then recorded a 2-under, 69 in his second round.
Freshman Eric Klutke placed fifth at 1-under, 141 with rounds of 1-under, 70 and even-par 71. He posted an eagle and two birdies in his first round and two birdies over the final 18 holes.
Freshman Nicklaus Ummel tied for sixth at even-par 142 with rounds of 70 and 72. He had five birdies in his first round and posted an eagle in his second.
Sophomore Brady Clark tied for ninth at 3-over, 147. He posted rounds of 73 and 72 with four birdies and one eagle over the 36 holes. Freshman Dylan Kohner also had four birdies and one eagle over the 36 holes with scores of 77 and 69 and finished at 4-over, 148 to place 13th.
