Earlier this season, the University of Denver’s Petter Mikalsen made a splash by winning the inaugural Paintbrush Invitational at Colorado Golf Club in Parker against a field that included defending NCAA champion Oregon.
As it turned out, that had been the only top-10 finish of Mikalsen’s senior season — until Tuesday, that is.
Mikalsen (pictured) tied for ninth indvidually Tuesday at the Men’s Summit League Championship in Newton, Kan., but it took a big-time late-round rally to do it.
The Norwegian was 5 over par through his first 10 holes of the final round, but quickly did a 180. He played his final seven holes in 5 under par and birdied each of his last three to earn a top-10 showing. Mikalsen posted an eventful even-par 72 to check in at 3-over-par 219, five strokes behind champion Grant Smith of South Dakota State.
Also placing in the top 15 for DU Tuesday was junior Chris Korte, the 2015 CGA Amateur champion, who finished 12th at 220 after a closing 73. Korte also finished strong, playing his final nine holes in 3 under par.
As a team, DU ended up sixth in the nine-team field.
Men’s Summit League Championship
May 1-2, 2017 (final) in Newton, Kan.
6. (out of 9 teams) Denver 305-296-287–888
9. Petter Mikalsen 73-74-72–219
12. Chris Korte 78-69-73–220
27. Jake Kelley 78-77-71–226
27. Eric Hagen 79-76-71–226
33. Isaac Petersilie 76-77-74–227
