TUCSON, Ariz. - The University of Arizona men's golf team placed seventh with a score of 884 (+20) at the John Burns Intercollegiate. In the third and final round on Friday, the Wildcats posted a 1-under 287 to maintain the position they held entering the day. George Cunningham finished the tournament tied for fourth at 4-under after a final-round 74 (+2). California won the event at 12-under and the Golden Bears' Shotaro Ban took medalist honors.
Cunningham entered the final day in a tie for the lead after firing off rounds of 68 (-4) and 70 (-2). After an early double bogey, his only one of the tournament, the freshman battled to stay even throughout the rest of the round and produced his second Top 5 of the week. Cunningham finished second at the Northern Trust Open Collegiate Showcase on Monday.
“We know George is rock solid and putting three scores together is a good sign for the future,” noted head men's golf coach Jim Anderson.
The Wildcats were led on Friday by senior Alex McMahon, who used five birdies to finish the round with a 68 (-4). McMahon tied for 17th overall in the tournament at four over par. Fellow senior Brenden Redfern finished the tournament tied for 54th at 11 over after starting the day tied for 73rd. Redfern had four birdies and two bogies to finish the third round with a two-under 70.
“We are definitely doing a lot of things very well,” reflected Anderson. “Shooting under par on the final round is especially gratifying. The best part of this team is we know we can do better. They are not satisfied and committed to improving every time out. Having our seniors step up the way they did shows the type of leaders they are.”
After two solid rounds, junior Kolton Lapa struggled on Friday with a nine-over 81, but he finished tied for 66th at 15 over. Freshman Max Donohue finished his tournament in a tie for 84th at 21 over. Sophomore Jacob Kruez, playing as an individual, finished the day tied for 34th, carding a 74 (+2) in the third round to finish the tournament seven over.
“Next, we get to play at home so we will look to carry some momentum and confidence to Omni Tucson National for the N.I.T."
The Wildcats will host the National Invitational Tournament Feb. 28 to March 2.
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