The Bears swept both the team and individual titles at a conference championship for the second time in five years, this time doing the honors in the eight-team Big Sky Conference Championship in Boulder City, Nev.
UNC prevailed by three strokes over Southern Utah, finishing with a three-day total of 10-under-par 854. It was the first team championship for the Northern Colorado men since they won the America Sky title in 2014.
Meanwhile, Andrew Romano, a senior from Lone Tree, landed the program’s first individual win in a major college tournament since Coby Welch won the Colorado Mark Simpson Invitational in September 2016, and UNC’s first conference title since Ben Krueger claimed the America Sky win in 2014.
Romano notched his first individual college victory after tying for the top spot with Fidel Concepcion of Southern Utah, then winning a playoff. Romano went 70-67-71 for an 8-under-par 208 total.
Welch (seventh, 216) and Li Chen (ninth, 217) also placed in the top 10 individually for UNC, while Sam Marley (11th, 220) and Big Sky Player of the Year Joshua Matz (18th, 223) rounded out the scores for the Bears.
“I am so happy for the guys, especially our two seniors, Sam and Andrew, who have seen this program through thick and thin,” coach Roger Prenzlow said.
Men’s Big Sky Championship
April 27-29, 2018 (final) in Boulder City, Nev.
1. (out of 8 teams) Northern Colorado 286-284-284–854
1. Andrew Romano 70-67-71–208
7. Coby Welch 71-72-73–216
9. Li Chen 76-72-69–217
11. Sam Marley 69-73-78–220
18. Joshua Matz 79-73-71–223
The Rams shot a 6-under-par 282 to take a two-stroke advantage over the University of Colorado and Wyoming.
Northern Colorado holds sixth place at 287 in the 19-team, three-round tournament. The host Air Force Academy is eighth at 290.
Individually, Andrew Romano of UNC and Yannik Paul of CU are tied for the lead with Andy Hess of Utah State and John Murdock of Wyoming. Romano eagled the 610-yard fifth hole and added six birdies. He was 7 under par through 11 holes. Paul chalked up seven birdies.
Max Oelfke of CSU, the 2017 German Amateur champion, carded a 68 and is in fifth place.
The tourament will continue through Sunday.
For scores, CLICK HERE.
]]>Connell (left) carded seven birdies and a bogey on Wednesday.
Other Coloradans who earned spots in the Colorado Open, which is set for July 21-24 at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, were Alex Gutesha of Greenwood Village (65), Andrew Romano of Lone Tree (70), San Juan Open champion Jim Knous of Englewood (70), Brendan Connolly of Castle Rock (70) and David Packer of Greenwood Village (70).
Joining them in qualifying were Derek Barron of Tacoma, Wash. (65), Andre Metzger of Norman, Okla. (68), Bill Allcorn of Waco, Texas (69), Jesse Schutte of Florence, Ore. (70), former Colorado State golfer Dominic Kieffer of Byron, Minn. (70), Jordan Rodgers of Salt Lake City (70), Brandon Crick of McCook, Neb. (71) and Thane Ringler of Hutchinson, Kan. (71).
Wednesday was the first of four qualfiers for the 52nd Colorado Open.
For all of Wednesday’s scores, CLICK HERE.
Seiple (pictured), a two-time U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier who just completed a medical redshirt year at the University of Mississippi, beat 2015 CGA Junior Stroke Play winner Isaac Petersilie of Colorado Springs Country Club in the round of 32, and 2015 CGA Stroke Play champ Chris Korte of Lone Tree in the Sweet 16.
Overall on Wednesday, Seiple was 13 under par for 24 holes, including 8 under in his victory over Korte.
Nosewicz, meanwhile, defeated Michael Tait of Raccoon Creek Golf Course 3 and 1 on Wednesday morning and 2015 CGA Junior Player of the Year Coby Welch 5 and 4 on Wednesday afternoon. Nosewicz was 4 under par overall for the day.
Also making the quarterfinals with two wins on Wednesday were Glenn Workman of Desert Hawk at Pueblo West, Ryan Schmitz and Andrew Romano of Colorado Golf Club, Nathaniel Goddard of Ptarmigan Country Club, Jake Staiano of Glenmoor Country Club and Kyler Dunkle of the Club at Pradera.
Staiano, the stroke-play co-medalist this week, and Dunkle were Colorado State University teammates last season, though Dunkle has since left the team.
Korte and Petersilie were far from the only CGA champions to fall on Wednesday. Also exiting were stroke play co-medalist Steven Kupcho of Heritage at Westmoor (who lost to Romano), Jon Lindstrom of Lakewood Country Club (lost to Korte), Pierce Aichinger of Glenmoor Country Club (lost to Welch), Chris Thayer of Bear Creek Golf Club (lost to Josh Thomas of Green Valley Ranch Golf Club), Jimmy Makloski of Pueblo Country Club (lost to Schmitz) and Tristan Rohrbaugh (lost to Dunkle).
Like Wednesday, Thursday will feature two rounds of matches. The 36-hole final is scheduled for Friday.
For the match-play bracket, CLICK HERE.
116th CGA Match Play Championship
At Lone Tree GC
ROUND OF 32
1. Nick Nosewicz, Meadow Hills GC def. 32. Michael P Tait, Raccoon Creek GC 3 and 1
17. Coby Welch, Jgac Club def. 16. Pierce Aichinger, Glenmoor CC 1 up
8. Joshua Seiple, Castle Pines GC def. 25. Isaac Petersilie, Colorado Springs CC 7 and 6
9. Chris Korte, Lone Tree GC def. 41. Jon Lindstrom, Lakewood CC 3 and 2
29. Josh Thomas, Green Valley Ranch GC def. 4. Christopher Thayer, Bear Creek GC 3 and 2
45. Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk GC def. 52. Behrod Keshtavar, Flatirons GC 2 and 1
28. Ryan Schmitz, Colorado GC def. 5. Jimmy Makloski, Pueblo CC 4 and 3
44. Jake Kelley, Columbine CC def. 12. Pierce Trumper, Fort Collins CC 2 up
34. Andrew Romano, Colorado GC def. 2. Steven Kupcho, Heritage at Westmoor 5 and 4
50. Clayton Crawford, Maroon Creek Club def. 18. Kyler Smith, Rifle Creek GC 2 and 1
7. Nathaniel Goddard, Ptarmigan CC def. 26. Billy Ramsey, Lone Tree Mens GC 6 and 5
23. Connor Klein, Lone Tree GC def. 55. Eric Oneth, Colorado Golf Club 2 and 1
3. Jake Staiano, Glenmoor CC def. 35. Justin Allenback, Walking Stick GC 6 and 5
19. Hayden Nicholaides, Family Sports GC def. 14. Drew Vance, Heritage at Westmoor 4 and 3
6. Tristan Rohrbaugh, Ironbridge GC def. 27. Josh Hill, Omni Interlocken Resort 2 up
11. Kyler Dunkle, The Club @ Pradera def. 22. Trevor McKune, Pinehurst CC 5 and 4
ROUND OF 16
1. Nick Nosewicz, Meadow Hills GC def. 17. Coby Welch, Jgac Club 5 and 4
8. Joshua Seiple, Castle Pines GC def. 9. Chris Korte, Lone Tree GC 7 and 6
45. Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk GC def. 29. Josh Thomas, Green Valley Ranch GC 4 and 3
28. Ryan Schmitz, Colorado GC def. 44. Jake Kelley, Columbine CC 1 up
34. Andrew Romano, Colorado GC def. 50. Clayton Crawford, Maroon Creek Club 19 holes
7. Nathaniel Goddard, Ptarmigan CC def. 23. Connor Klein, Lone Tree GC 1 up
3. Jake Staiano, Glenmoor CC def. 19. Hayden Nicholaides, Family Sports GC 2 and 1
11. Kyler Dunkle, The Club @ Pradera def. 6. Tristan Rohrbaugh, Ironbridge GC 2 and 1
Derek Tolan will long be remembered as the first Colorado kid to qualify for the U.S. Open as a 16-year-old. But you’ll have to excuse him if he doesn’t want that to be the only thing he’s remembered for when it comes to the Open.
The Highlands Ranch resident would not only like to earn a return trip to the U.S. Open for the first time since 2002, but he’d like to parlay that into something big.
“You know, (qualifying in 2002 at such a young age) doesn’t really mean much anymore,” said the two-time HealthOne Colorado Open champion, now 29. “It was a great experience at the time. Even now if you make it, it doesn’t really mean anything unless you do well and do something with it. I don’t know if that’s part of growing up, having more expectations or my game improving. But obviously it’s good to have a chance again this year. Just getting to (the second stage of qualifying) doesn’t mean a whole lot. You’ve got to really play well, and have a chance to parlay it into a career.”
That part may come down the road, but for now — Tuesday specifically — Tolan (above) took care of business by advancing to the final stage of U.S. Open qualifying by sharing medalist honors in a Local Qualifier at the Heritage at Westmoor in Westminster.
In all, five players each from 18-hole Local Qualifiers at Westmoor and the Broadmoor Golf Club’s East Course in Colorado Springs punched their tickets to Sectionals, which will be contested over 36 holes at 10 U.S. sites on June 8. The top performers on that date will earn spots in the U.S. Open, set for June 18-21 at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash.
The five players who advanced from Heritage at Westmoor, all of whom shot 2-under-par 70s, were Tolan, 2012 CGA Junior Match Play champion Andrew Romano of Lone Tree, Jim Knous of Englewood, Greg Johnson of Lakewood, and Dino Giacomazzi of Salinas, Calif. Knous has earned Sectional berths the last three years at Heritage at Westmoor. Tolan, Johnson and Romano each birdied his final hole on Tuesday to land a share of medalist honors.
At the Broadmoor, Colin Prater of Colorado Springs birdied the last three holes and needed just 22 putts overall at the East Course to shoot a 2-under-par 69 and claim medalist honors by one shot. Prater, the NCAA Division II Phil Mickelson Outstanding Freshman Award winner in 2014 (when he played for Colorado Mesa), transferred to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs before this school year, but had to sit out the entire season. Tuesday marked his first tournament since December.
Joining Prater (left) in advancing from the Broadmoor were Colorado PGA professional Eric Bradley of Eagle (70), former Colorado State golfer Cameron Harrell of Colorado Springs (72), 2013 CGA Junior Match Play champion Jake Staiano of Cherry Hills Village (72) and Colorado Christian University golfer Nathaniel Goddard of Fort Collins (72). Harrell, a former U.S. Amateur qualifier, posted an eagle on the 402-yard par-4 sixth hole on Tuesday. Goddard played his last seven holes in 3 under par.
The fact that Tolan, a former University of Colorado golfer, advanced should come as no surprise. By his best recollection, he’s made to to U.S. Open Sectionals six or seven times, including each of the last three years. Last June, he came relatively close to qualifying for the Open by placing 15th out of 110 players in Daly City, Calif., where the top five punched their tickets to the national championship.
On Tuesday, after three-putting his 17th hole from 12 feet, Tolan needed a 5-foot birdie on his 18th to assure himself a spot in Sectionals.
Meanwhile, Knous continued to be able to rely on the Heritage at Westmoor site to earn berths into Sectionals. The former Colorado School of Mines standout used an eagle on the sixth hole en route to his third consecutive successful Local Qualifier at the course.
“Three years in a row is pretty amazing,” said the 25-year-old, who shot a course-record 60 at Boulder Country Club during the 2010 CGA Stroke Play. “I don’t know what it is exactly, but the course just fits my eye. It’s kind of open and I can hit driver everywhere. It’s long. It sets up for me. I like the golf course.”
Knous, the 2012 NCAA Division II national runner-up, hasn’t yet qualified for a U.S. Open, but has high hopes.
“Every year I just keep getting a little bit better,” he said. “It’s a real opportunity to get to that next level. It’s about time for me to get to that next level or the dream is going to have to stop pretty soon. You just can’t sustain mini-tour golf for very long.”
As for the other Coloradans to advance from Heritage at Westmoor, Johnson will be going to Sectionals for the second time in four years, while Romano will be making his first trip ever.
Romano, who just completed his first season at the University of Northern Colorado, like Knous eagled the sixth hole Tuesday en route to co-medalist honors.
“It’s been a dream” to have a chance to play in the U.S. Open, the 20-year-old said. “I’ve been so close in a couple of USGA events. I’ve just got to keep grinding. You never know — just one day away, a couple of good rounds away.”
Of those who advanced Tuesday, Johnson cut things the closest. Knowing he likely needed a birdie to make Sectionals, he snap-hooked his drive on his final hole (No. 9), putting his ball into the native grass. With a 7-iron, “I swung pretty much as hard as I could,” the 26-year-old former Regis University golfer said. “I looked up and the ball was going all over the flag. And I happened to make the putt (a 30-footer) on top of it, too. I needed to do something. I was really trying to make that last putt there. That last hole was pretty awesome.”
Meanwhile, at the Broadmoor, Prater ruled the roost, especially with his putter. He made the most of his knowledge of the course — his grandparents are members, and he estimates he’s played that historic layout about 50 times.
“
I’ve been able to play here for many years through (my grandparents),” the 20-year-old said. “I putted extremely well today. I had 22 putts. I attribute all of that to course knowledge. I didn’t hit the ball particularly well, but I putted extraordinarily well.
“I’ve had pretty good putting rounds, but 22 is probably the lowest I’ve had in my entire life.”
In fact, with his six-birdie round — which included a 35-footer on the closing hole — Prater was able to make his late afternoon chemistry final exam at UCCS without having to worry whether his score would be good enough to advance. As it was, he had no problem making Sectionals for the first time, despite this being just his second tournament since last summer.
“It’s real nice to get my feet wet again playing golf,” he said. “It was a goal of mine to qualify for Sectionals and I was able to accomplish that. I’m thrilled.”
A third and final Colorado-based U.S. Open Local Qualifying tournament will be held May 19 at Collindale Golf Club in Fort Collins.
U.S. Open Local Qualifying
At Par-72 Heritage at Westmoor in Westminster
ADVANCE TO SECTIONAL QUALIFYING
Greg Johnson, Lakewood, Colo., 35-35–70
Dino Giacomazzi, Salinas, Calif., 35-35–70
Derek Tolan, Highlands Ranch, Colo., 34-36–70
Andrew Romano, Lone Tree, Colo., 34-36–70
James Knous, Englewood, Colo., 33-37–70
ALTERNATES (In Order After 4-Hole Playoff)
Chris Korte, Highlands Ranch, Colo., 36-35–71
Matt Robertson, Lakewood, Colo., 37-34–71
FAILED TO QUALIFY
Dillon Mcdonald, Wolcott, Colo., 35-37–72
David Oraee, Greeley, Colo., 36-36–72
Anthony Aguilar, Phoenix, Ariz., 36-37–73
Charles Soule, Denver, Colo., 37-36–73
Bryan Kruse, Westminster, Colo., 39-34–73
Luke Symons, Aurora, Colo., 35-38–73
Tommy Carpenter, Greenwood Village, Colo., 34-39–73
Steven Kupcho, Westminster, Colo., 37-37–74
Adam Griffith, Westminster, Colo., 37-37–74
Daniel Pearson, Longmont, Colo., 38-36–74
Andrew Vance, Denver, Colo., 36-38–74
Jeremy Paul, Boulder, 35-39–74
Gus Lundquist, Parker, Colo., 38-36–74
Kane Webber, Denver, 40-34–74
Kevin Burke, Aurora, Colo., 37-38–75
Keenan Holt, Durango, Colo., 36-39–75
Steve Connell, Thornton, Colo., 39-36–75
Chris Bourdeon, Castle Pines, Colo., 38-37–75
Collin Covault, Bagdad, Ariz., 35-40–75
Cody Vance, Lakewood, Colo., 36-39–75
Joe Lord, Arvada, Colo., 37-39–76
Paul Beblavi, Denver, Colo., 38-38–76
Braden Baer, Westminster, Colo., 38-38–76
Ryan Schmitz, Greenwood Village, Colo., 38-38–76
Trevor Olkowski, Grand Junction, Colo., 38-38–76
Derek Eley, Thornton, Colo., 41-35–76
Drew Trujillo, Montrose, Colo., 40-36–76
Wesley Martin, Denver, Colo., 36-41–77
Leif Olson, Golden, Colo., 38-40–78
Grant Jackson, Aurora, Colo., 37-41–78
Zahkai Brown, Arvada, Colo., 40-38–78
Patrick Arellano, Denver, Colo., 38-40–78
Douglas Wherry, Lakewood, Colo., 41-37–78
Sean Kurzweil, Denver, Colo., 36-42–78
Grant Rogers, Boulder, Colo., 38-41–79
Nick Berry, Golden, Colo., 43-36–79
Jackson Vacek, Lafayette, Colo., 38-41–79
Dan Sniffin, Denver, Colo., 40-39–79
Oliver Jack, Cherry Hills Village, Colo., 39-40–79
Trey Lambrecht, Sterling, Colo., 41-38–79
Matt Vacek, Lafayette, Colo., 40-39–79
Behrod Keshtavar, Erie, Colo., 38-42–80
Bretton Krantz, Windsor, Colo., 38-42–80
Jack Allen, Aurora, Colo., 39-41–80
Dan Keyghobad, Aurora, Colo., 41-39–80
Ross Macdonald, Castle Rock, Colo., 40-40–80
Jason Holley, Englewood, Colo., 40-41–81
Aristides Papadopoulos, Avon, Colo., 39-42–81
Mike Chavez, Arvada, Colo., 37-44–81
Sam Taylor, Nederland, Colo., 42-40–82
Dustin Miller, Highlands Ranch, Colo., 41-41–82
Trey Fankhouser, Goodwell, Okla., 43-39–82
Luke Goeglein, Yuma, Colo., 40-42–82
Jonathan Doern, Denver, Colo., 40-43–83
Josh Pusar, Castle Rock, Colo., 43-40–83
Lamar Carlile, Denver, Colo., 42-42–84
Alex Gorman, Broomfield, Colo., 40-44–84
Lenny Urbas, Evergreen, Colo., 43-41–84
Clint Miller, Englewood, Colo., 42-43–85
Corey Stanton, Breckenridge, Colo., 40-45–85
Kyle Burns, Denver, Colo., 43-43–86
Keith Mergenthal, Westminster, Colo., 42-44–86
Ryan Tierney, Redwood City, Calif., 44-44–88
Stephen Horvey, Arvada, Colo., 45-43–88
Ethan Yamada, Arvada, Colo., 44-48–92
Austin Pilkington, Thornton, Colo., 46-46–92
Subin Lee, Englewood, Colo., 48-44–92
Matthew Oliver, Westminster, Colo., 47-57–104
Christopher Good, Denver, Colo., WD
Harrison Murphy, McKinney, Texas, WD
Thomas B. Noonan, Jr., Boulder, Colo., WD
Dean Siskowski, Johnstown, Colo., WD
Christopher Thayer, Denver, Colo., WD
Shane Bertsch, Parker, Colo., WD
Jon Lindstrom, Westminster, Colo., WD
Joshua Seiple, Castle Rock, Colo., WD
U.S. Open Local Qualifying
At Par-71 Broadmoor GC East Course in Colorado Springs
ADVANCE TO SECTIONAL QUALIFYING
Colin Prater, Colorado Springs, Colo., 35-34–69
Eric Bradley, Eagle, Colo., 34-36–70
Nathaniel Goddard, Fort Collins, Colo., 38-34–72
Jake Staiano, Cherry Hills, Colo., 36-36–72
Cameron Harrell, Colorado Springs, Colo., 34-38—72
ALTERNATES (In Order)
Isaac Petersilie, Colorado Springs, Colo., 34-39–73
Josh Woodworth, Durango, Colo., 34-39—73
FAILED TO QUALIFY
Christopher Roehrkasse, Parker, Colo., 36-38–74
Derek Fribbs, Castle Rock, Colo., 36-38–74
Chase Federico, Pueblo, Colo., 37-37–74
Wilson Belk, Colorado Springs, Colo., 38-36–74
Jeffrey Chapman, Centennial, Colo., 35-39–74
Jon Roth, Colorado Springs, Colo., 38-37–75
Brandon Barron, Centennial, Colo., 36-40–76
Michael Fan, Usaf Academy, Colo., 37-39–76
Ken Tamez, Colorado Springs, Colo., 39-38–77
Kyler Booher, Carbondale, Colo., 39-38–77
Sam Nichamin, Avon, Colo., 38-39–77
Ben Krueger, Colorado Springs, Colo., 39-38–77
Nick Zinanti, Pueblo, Colo., 38-40–78
Garrett Froggatte, Colorado Springs, Colo., 40-38–78
Audie Dean, Centennial, Colo., 39-39–78
Steven Irwin, Arvada, Colo., 40-38–78
Austin Burgess, Colorado Springs, Colo., 39-39–78
Blake Young, Trinidad, Colo., 39-39–78
Taylor Stamp, Colorado Springs, Colo., 40-38–78
Jack Cummings, Arvada, Colo., 37-42–79
Timothy Amundson, Littleton, Colo., 38-41–79
Mike Swan, Crested Butte, Colo., 43-36–79
Kaleb Nichols, Peyton, Colo., 42-37–79
Gilbert Garcia, Colorado Springs, Colo., 38-42–80
Shaun Payne, Albuquerque, N.M., 38-42–80
Daniel Augustine, Castle Pines, Colo., 43-37–80
Matthew Goddard, Fort Collins, Colo., 41-39–80
Justin Fox, Montrose, Colo., 43-37–80
Devyn Solano, Aurora, Colo., 39-41–80
Matthew Hart, Highlands Ranch, Colo., 41-40–81
Joel Norwood, Denver, Colo., 43-38–81
David Delich, Colorado Springs, Colo., 42-39–81
James Vaughn, Greenwood Village, Colo., 42-39–81
Alex Kephart, Colorado Springs, Colo., 40-41–81
Marc Renjard, Colorado Springs, Colo., 38-44–82
Mitchell Smith, Elizabeth, Colo., 37-45–82
Connor Klein, Lone Tree, Colo., 41-41–82
Rob Cummings, Denver, Colo., 40-42–82
Connor Alexander, Castle Rock, Colo., 39-43–82
Mike Kerrigan, Castle Rock, Colo., 43-39–82
Ryan Connors, Montrose, Colo., 42-41–83
Jason Kroese, Highlands Ranch, Colo., 42-41–83
Derek Williams, Colorado Springs, Colo., 42-41–83
Cody Eberl, Lakewood, Colo., 40-43–83
Victor Minovich, Morrison, Colo., 42-42–84
Kale Waaso, Castle Rock, Colo., 42-42–84
Marshall Clark, Denver, Colo., 42-42–84
David Schroeder, Colorado Springs, Colo., 44-40–84
Owen Pasvogel, Colorado Springs, Colo., 46-38–84
Justin Snyder, Aurora, Colo., 42-42–84
Braden Bentley, Colorado Springs, Colo., 40-45–85
Chad Hansen, Gypsum, Colo., 43-42–85
Sam Chapman, Parker, Colo., 42-43–85
Mark Pustay, Albuquerque, N.M., 41-45–86
Chris Winter, Colorado Springs, Colo., 47-39–86
Ryne Scholl, Breckenridge, Colo., 42-44–86
Bill Parker, Denver, Colo., 38-48–86
Aaron Bevans, Parker, Colo., 41-45–86
Jonathan Marsico, Denver, Colo., 46-40–86
Cole Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo., 46-40–86
Luke Travins, Colorado Springs, Colo., 42-44–86
Joey Bast, Highlands Ranch, Colo., 41-46–87
Austin Hardman, Highlands Ranch, Colo., 40-48–88
Caleb Blass, Colorado Springs, Colo., 43-45–88
Nick Vanetten, Colorado Springs, Colo., 42-47–89
Zachary Dobrota, Sandusky, Ohio, 46-43–89
Benjamin Cockrill, Greeley, Colo., 45-44–89
Taylor Wilson, Colorado Springs, Colo., 45-45–90
Matt Pasvogel, Colorado Springs, Colo., 51-43–94
Brian Thomas, Commerce City, Colo., 46-49–95
Russ Aragon, Aspen, Colo., NS
Beau Hombach, Parker, Colo., WD
Benjamin Schlossmann, Fox Point, Wis., NS
Graham Cliff, Parker, Colo., WD
Bob Maggard, Parker, Colo., NS
Tyler Enna, Castle Rock, Colo., WD
David Lysaught, Basalt, Colo., WD
The CJGA Tournament of Champions draws one of the best junior golf fields of the year in Colorado, both for boys and girls. But in recent golf seasons, it’s probably more remembered for crummy weather than stellar play.
Three years ago, the invitation-only event was canceled altogether due to inclement conditions. In 2010, a full 36 holes were played, but it was cold, drizzly and windy. And last year, the tournament was shortened to 18 holes because of the weather.
And — surprise, surprise — it looks like more of the same is in store this weekend as the 2012 edition of the Tournament of Champions is scheduled for the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs.
“It’s unbelievable; it really is,” CJGA director of junior competitions Eric Wilkinson noted regarding the Tournament of Champions’ bad luck in the weather department.
The event is scheduled to include two rounds — one Saturday at the West Course and one Sunday at the East — weather-permitting. With cold and rain or snow forecast for Saturday, it’s possible the tournament could be reduced to 18 holes like last year. A determination will be made on Friday. (Friday update: Saturday’s round has been canceled, but tournament organizers are planning for play on Sunday.)
Assuming the event can be played, many of the state’s top junior golfers are scheduled to be on hand. Both of the 2011 champions — Jimmy Makloski (pictured at left) of Pueblo Country Club and Claudia Davis (pictured at top) of Glenmoor Country Club — are set to defend their titles.
This year, Makloski has won the CGA Junior Stroke Play, the CJGA Junior Series Championship and the AJGA Junior at Fox Hill. And Davis teamed with Allie Johnston to claim the CWGA Mashie Championship earlier this year.
But that’s just the start.
Also in the boys field are 5A state high school champion Kyler Dunkle of The Club at Pradera, 3A winner Ben Moore, 2010 and ’11 3A champ Ethan Freeman, 2012 CGA Junior Match Play winner Andrew Romano of Colorado Golf Club and U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier Josh Seiple of Castle Pines Golf Club.
On the girls side, Calli Ringsby of Denver Country Club is coming off a sterling summer. She won both the CWGA Junior Stroke Play and Junior Match Play and she competed for America in the USA-China Youth Golf Match in California. Also scheduled to play is Jennifer Kupcho, the CJGA Junior Series Championship winner.
In addition this weekend, the CJGA will hold its Junior Ryder Cup for 11-13 year-olds at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora.
Twenty-four boys and girls — 12 each representing Team USA and Team Europe — will compete in nine-hole foursomes and four-ball matches on Saturday, then 18 holes of singles on Sunday. Among those playing is Coby Welch, the CJGA 11-13 Junior Series Champion. (Friday update: Like at the Tournament of Champions, Saturday’s action at the Junior Ryder Cup has been canceled. The plan on Sunday is to play three nine-hole matches: four-ball on the Kids’ Course, and foursomes and singles on the regulation course.)
The CJGA Tournament of Champions draws one of the best junior golf fields of the year in Colorado, both for boys and girls. But in recent golf seasons, it’s probably more remembered for crummy weather than stellar play.
Three years ago, the invitation-only event was canceled altogether due to inclement conditions. In 2010, a full 36 holes were played, but it was cold, drizzly and windy. And last year, the tournament was shortened to 18 holes because of the weather.
And — surprise, surprise — it looks like more of the same is in store this weekend as the 2012 edition of the Tournament of Champions is scheduled for the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs.
“It’s unbelievable; it really is,” CJGA director of junior competitions Eric Wilkinson noted regarding the Tournament of Champions’ bad luck in the weather department.
The event is scheduled to include two rounds — one Saturday at the West Course and one Sunday at the East — weather-permitting. With cold and rain or snow forecast for Saturday, it’s possible the tournament could be reduced to 18 holes like last year. A determination will be made on Friday. (Friday update: Saturday’s round has been canceled, but tournament organizers are planning for play on Sunday.)
Assuming the event can be played, many of the state’s top junior golfers are scheduled to be on hand. Both of the 2011 champions — Jimmy Makloski (pictured above) of Pueblo Country Club and Claudia Davis (pictured at left) of Glenmoor Country Club — are set to defend their titles.
This year, Makloski has won the CGA Junior Stroke Play, the CJGA Junior Series Championship and the AJGA Junior at Fox Hill. And Davis teamed with Allie Johnston to claim the CWGA Mashie Championship earlier this year.
But that’s just the start.
Also in the boys field are 5A state high school champion Kyler Dunkle of The Club at Pradera, 3A winner Ben Moore, 2010 and ’11 3A champ Ethan Freeman, 2012 CGA Junior Match Play winner Andrew Romano of Colorado Golf Club and U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier Josh Seiple of Castle Pines Golf Club.
On the girls side, Calli Ringsby of Denver Country Club is coming off a sterling summer. She won both the CWGA Junior Stroke Play and Junior Match Play and she competed for America in the USA-China Youth Golf Match in California. Also scheduled to play is Jennifer Kupcho, the CJGA Junior Series Championship winner.
In addition this weekend, the CJGA will hold its Junior Ryder Cup for 11-13 year-olds at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora.
Twenty-four boys and girls — 12 each representing Team USA and Team Europe — will compete in nine-hole foursomes and four-ball matches on Saturday, then 18 holes of singles on Sunday. Among those playing is Coby Welch, the CJGA 11-13 Junior Series Champion. (Friday update: Like at the Tournament of Champions, Saturday’s action at the Junior Ryder Cup has been canceled. The plan on Sunday is to play three nine-hole matches: four-ball on the Kids’ Course, and foursomes and singles on the regulation course.)
]]>In a CGA Junior Match Play that was full of upsets, Andrew Romano of Colorado Golf Club refused to fall victim to the trend.
The senior-to-be at Rock Canyon High School, seeded second after the stroke-play qualifying, equaled the largest recorded margin of victory in a CGA Junior Match Play final with a 7-and-5 win over Jake Ice of Eaton Country Club on Friday.
The title match was about the only thing that went according to form in a week when Romano was the only top-10 seed who made it to the quarterfinals.
“There are a lot of good kids out here so I thought there would be upsets,” Romano said after winning his sixth match of the week. “But I felt like if I just beat my competition, it didn’t matter what their seed was.”
Friday’s scheduled 36-hole title match at Bear Creek Golf Club in west Denver ended on the 13th hole when Romano made a routine par while the 36th-seeded Ice carded a double bogey.
The CGA Junior Match Play dates back to 1951, but title match records are complete only since 1978. And the only final since then that was as lopsided as Friday’s was last year’s, when John Ahern defeated Ryan Pettegrew 7 and 5. Before 2007, the Junior Match final was an 18-hole affair.
Even if Friday’s match had been scheduled for 18 holes, Romano still would have won 6 and 5. After losing the first two holes to Ice and halving the third, Romano won nine of the next 11 holes to take control for good at 7 up.
During that 11-hole stretch, the 17-year-old made five birdies.
“I was just flushing the ball,” said Romano (pictured teeing off at left as Ice looks on). “I hit it about 10 feet (from the cup) every time. I lipped out a lot of putts and made a lot of putts as well. And he missed a couple of putts also.
“But when you put that much pressure on someone and they just kind of start tumbling, you let it happen and you just keep on going.”
Ice, a 2012 Eaton High School graduate who will play golf for Trinidad State Junior College beginning in the fall, couldn’t get any closer than 5 down the rest of the way.
“(Romano) played great,” said Ice, who finished third in the 2011 3A state high school tournament as a senior. “And this is the worst two rounds I’ve had all week. He was putting lights out. I’ve got to give it to him.
“I have no idea (why I didn’t play as well as I did earlier in the week). I started hitting the ball a lot better on the back nine of the second 18. But by then it was too late.”
Still, Ice (pictured below) took consolation in placing second in such a prestigious event.
“Honestly I’m really surprised (to be runner-up),” he said. “I shot 80 in the qualifier and I went into the first round of match play expecting to lose. So I’m not happy with (Friday’s) result, but I’m happy that I made it this far seeing that I didn’t even think I’d get past the first round.”
As for Romano, it was his first CGA championship and the biggest moment of his life in golf.
“This is by far my biggest golf accomplishment,” said Romano, who placed 15th last season in the 5A state high school championship. “I’ve won a few other smaller tournaments but this definitely is one of my majors this year. I’m happy to win it.”
Romano may not have been the biggest name in the Junior Match Play field, but unlike the other top seeds, he never faltered through the week.
“In match play it all depends on how everyone else does, but I thought if I played my game, no one can beat me,” he said.
And now he has a significant title to attach to his name as he heads into his senior year of high school and the thick of the college recruiting season.
“Hopefully this will open some eyes,” Romano said.
CGA Junior Match Play Championship
At Bear Creek GC in Denver
36-HOLE FINAL
Andrew Romano, Colorado GC, def. Jake Ice, Eaton CC, 7 and 5
SEMIFINALS
Jake Ice, Eaton CC def. Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk GC 5 and 4
Andrew Romano, Colorado GC def. Drew Vance, Raccoon Creek GC 2 and 1
QUARTERFINALS
Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk GC def. Jake Kelley, Pinehurst CC 3 and 1
Jake Ice, Eaton CC def. Braden Baer, Ranch CC 5 and 3
Andrew Romano, Colorado GC def. Ross Macdonald, The Ridge At Castle Pines North 1 up
Drew Vance, Raccoon Creek GC def. Jack Cummings, Omni Interlocken Resort GC 1 up
ROUND OF 16
Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk GC def. Chris Weinstein, Green Valley Ranch GC 2 and 1
Jake Kelley, Pinehurst CC def. Tyler Harrison, Hollydot GC 2 and 1
Jake Ice, Eaton CC def. Connor Klein, Lone Tree GC & Hotel 3 and 2
Braden Baer, Ranch CC def. Cole Nygren, Colorado National GC 1 up
Andrew Romano, Colorado GC def. Will Fowler, Bear Creek GC 2 and 1
Ross Macdonald, The Ridge At Castle Pines North def. Josh Gardella, Ridge at Castle Pines North 2 and 1
Drew Vance, Raccoon Creek GC def. Spencer Painton, Green Valley Ranch GC 4 and 3
Jack Cummings, Omni Interlocken Resort GC def. Ethan Freeman, Glenmoor CC 19 holes
ROUND OF 32
Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk GC def. Chase Federico, Elmwood GC 6 and 4
Chris Weinstein, Green Valley Ranch GC def. Ryan Smith, Aspen GC 4 and 3
Tyler Harrison, Hollydot GC def. Nathaniel Goddard, Ptarmigan CC 3 and 1
Jake Kelley, Pinehurst CC def. Jake Staiano, Glenmoor CC 4 and 3
Jake Ice, Eaton CC def. Jack Adolfson, The Fox Hill Club 22 holes
Connor Klein, Lone Tree GC & Hotel def. Josh Mclaughlin, Loveland 3 and 2
Cole Nygren, Colorado National GC def. Sean Kato, Highland Hills GC 5 and 4
Braden Baer, Ranch CC def. Kyler Dunkle, The Club at Pradera 3 and 2
Andrew Romano, Colorado GC def. Dylan Wonnacott, Fox Hill Club, The 5 and 3
Will Fowler, Bear Creek GC def. Hayden Nicholaides, South Suburban Family Sports 1 up
Josh Gardella, Ridge at Castle Pines North def. Gary Schlatter Jr., Glenmoor CC 2 up
Ross Macdonald, The Ridge At Castle Pines North def. Ryan Burke, Twin Peaks GC 2 and 1
Drew Vance, Raccoon Creek GC def. Dylan Mitchell, Lakewood CC 1 up
Spencer Painton, Green Valley Ranch GC def. Matthew Vacek, Indian Peaks GC 4 and 3
Ethan Freeman, Glenmoor CC def. Max Urman, Meridian GC 4 and 2
Jack Cummings, Omni Interlocken Resort GC def. Clayton Crawford, Maroon Creek Club 2 and 1
ROUND OF 64
Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk GC (64) def. Jesse Beetham, Aspen G&TC (1), 3 and 2
Chase Federico, Elmwood GC (32) def. James Clements, Broadlands GC (33), 2 and 1
Ryan Smith, Aspen GC (16) def. Tristan Rohrbaugh, Ironbridge GC (49), 20 holes
Chris Weinstein, Green Valley Ranch GC (17) def. Benjamin Moore, Glenmoor CC (48), 1 up
Nathaniel Goddard, Ptarmigan CC (8) def. Ben Schaefer, Columbine CC (57), 3 and 1
Tyler Harrison, Hollydot GC (25) def. Kobe Scott Padilla, Commonground GC (40), 4 and 3
Jake Staiano, Glenmoor CC (9) def. Pierce Aichinger, Bear Creek GC (56), 3 and 1
Jake Edward Kelley, Pinehurst CC (41) def. Colin Prater, Broadmoor GC (24), 3 and 2
Jack Adolfson, The Fox Hill Club (4) def. Austin Rowe, Columbine CC (61), 1 up
Jake Ice, Eaton CC (36) def. Jack Pedersen, Omni Interlocken Resort (29), 2 and 1
Josh Mclaughlin, Loveland (13) def. Quade Wesley Mitchell, Highlands Ranch GC (52), 21 holes
Connor Klein, Lone Tree GC & Hotel (20) def. Kyle Peterson, Hiwan GC (45), 3 and 1
Cole Nygren, Colorado National GC (5) def. Cameron Connor, Boulder CC (60), 5 and 4
Sean Kato, Highland Hills GC (37) def. Chris Beabout, South Suburban GC (28), 1 up
Braden Baer, Ranch CC (12) def. Matt Dalton, The CC at Castle Pines (53), 5 and 3
Kyler Dunkle, The Club at Pradera (21) def. Hunter Lee, Highlands Ranch GC (44), 3 and 2
Andrew Romano, Colorado GC (2) def. Eli Schoenbeck, Desert Hawk GC (63), 3 and 1
Dylan Wonnacott, Fox Hill Club, The (31) def. Davis Kigin, Legacy Ridge GC (34), 6 and 5
Hayden Nicholaides, South Suburban Family Sports (15) def. Tyler Bricker, Ptarmigan CC (50), 2 and 1
Will Fowler, Bear Creek GC (47) def. Trevor Mckune, Pinehurst CC (18), 2 and 1
Josh Gardella, Ridge at Castle Pines North (7) def. Austin Powell, Park Hill GC (58), 7 and 6
Gary Schlatter Jr., Glenmoor CC (39) def. Chris Korte, The Links GC (26), 1 up
Ryan Burke, Twin Peaks GC (55) def. Kevin Wohlfarth, Green Valley Ranch G (10), 2 and 1
Ross Macdonald, The Ridge At Castle Pines North (42) def. Grant Rogers, Omni Interlocken Gol (23), 20 holes
Dylan Mitchell, Lakewood CC (3) def. Billy Ramsey, Lone Tree Mens GC (62), 4 and 3
Drew Vance, Raccoon Creek GC (35) def. Ethan Yamada, Omni Interlocken GC (30), 5 and 4
Matthew Vacek, Indian Peaks GC (51) def. Taylor Rodriguez, Elmwood GC (14), 6 and 5
Spencer Painton, Green Valley Ranch GC (19) def. Peyton Lindbloom, Thorncreek GC (46), 4 and 3
Ethan Freeman, Glenmoor CC (6) def. Grant Vanek, Lakewood CC (59), 8 and 7
Max Urman, Meridian GC (27) def. Andrew Howe, The Fox Hill Club (38), 3 and 2
Jack Cummings, Omni Interlocken Resort GC (11) def. Keegan Sheard, Applewood GC (54), 5 and 3
Clayton Crawford, Maroon Creek Club (43) def. Dallas Perrault, Heritage at Westmoor (22), 2 and 1
STROKE-PLAY QUALIFYING
Advanced to Match Play
Jesse Beetham, Aspen G& TC – 35-35–70
Andrew Romano, Colorado GC – 35-36–71
Dylan Mitchell, Lakewood CC – 36-36–72
Jack Adolfson, The Fox Hill Club – 37-35–72
Cole Nygren, Colorado National GC – 38-35–73
Ethan Freeman, Glenmoor CC – 37-36–73
Josh Gardella, Ridge at Castle Pines North – 34-39–73
Nathaniel Goddard, Ptarmigan CC – 36-37–73
Jake Staiano, Glenmoor CC – 35-39–74
Kevin Wohlfarth, Green Valley Ranch GC – 37-37–74
Jack Cummings, Omni Interlocken Resort GC – 38-37–75
Braden Baer, Ranch CC – 39-37–76
Josh Mclaughlin, Loveland – 37-39–76
Taylor Rodriguez, Elmwood GC – 39-37–76
Hayden Nicholaides, South Suburban Family Sports – 38-38–76
Ryan Smith, Aspen GC – 41-35–76
Chris Weinstein, Green Valley Ranch GC – 37-39–76
Trevor Mckune, Pinehurst CC – 39-37–76
Spencer Painton, Green Valley Ranch GC – 33-44–77
Connor Klein, Lone Tree GC & Hotel – 35-42–77
Kyler Dunkle, The Club at Pradera – 36-41–77
Dallas Perrault, Heritage at Westmoor – 35-42–77
Grant Rogers, Omni Interlocken GC – 38-39–77
Colin Prater, Broadmoor GC – 39-39–78
Tyler Harrison, Hollydot GC – 38-40–78
Chris Korte, The Links GC – 39-39–78
Max Urman, Meridian GC – 38-40–78
Chris Beabout, South Suburban GC – 39-39–78
Jack Pedersen, Omni Interlocken Resort – 41-37–78
Ethan Yamada, Omni Interlocken GC – 34-45–79
Dylan Wonnacott, Fox Hill Club, The – 38-41–79
Chase Federico, Elmwood GC – 42-37–79
James Clements, Broadlands GC – 38-41–79
Davis Kigin, Legacy Ridge GC – 43-36–79
Drew Vance, Raccoon Creek GC – 39-41–80
Jake Ice, Eaton CC – 41-39–80
Sean Kato, Highland Hills GC – 41-39–80
Andrew Howe, The Fox Hill Club – 38-42–80
Gary Schlatter Jr., Glenmoor CC – 42-38–80
Kobe Scott Padilla, Commonground GC – 41-39–80
Jake Edward Kelley, Pinehurst CC – 37-43–80
Ross Macdonald, The Ridge At Castle Pines North – 38-43–81
Clayton Crawford, Maroon Creek Club – 41-40–81
Hunter Lee, Highlands Ranch GC – 39-42–81
Kyle Peterson, Hiwan GC – 40-41–81
Peyton Lindbloom, Thorncreek GC – 39-42–81
Will Fowler, Bear Creek GC – 43-38–81
Benjamin Moore, Glenmoor CC – 41-40–81
Tristan Rohrbaugh, Ironbridge GC – 39-42–81
Tyler Bricker, Ptarmigan CC – 39-43–82
Matthew Vacek, Indian Peaks GC – 40-42–82
Quade Wesley Mitchell, Highlands Ranch GC – 43-39–82
Matt Dalton, The CC at Castle Pines – 40-42–82
Keegan Sheard, Applewood GC – 41-41–82
Ryan Burke, Twin Peaks GC – 42-41–83
Pierce Aichinger, Bear Creek GC – 42-41–83
Ben Schaefer, Columbine CC – 40-43–83
Austin Powell, Park Hill GC – 43-40–83
Grant Vanek, Lakewood CC – 41-42–83
Cameron Connor, Boulder CC – 42-42–84
Austin Rowe, Columbine CC – 41-43–84
Billy Ramsey, Lone Tree Mens GC – 41-43–84
Eli Schoenbeck, Desert Hawk GC – 40-44–84
Glenn Workman, Desert Hawk GC – 43-41–84
Failed to Qualify
Joey Muckler, Meridian GC – 39-46–85
Trevor Glen, Thorncreek GC – 43-42–85
Erik Young, Commonground GC – 43-42–85
Ethan Fisher, South Suburban GC – 40-45–85
Dylan Gregory Swanson, Pueblo CC – 40-45–85
Kyle Murray, Heritage at Westmoor – 39-47–86
Garrett Jones, Westwoods GC – 42-44–86
Jackson Vacek, Harmony Club – 40-46–86
Evan Buchalski, Loveland Mens Golf Assoc – 42-44–86
Samuel Toillion, Ute Creek GC – 43-43–86
Cody Leis, The Club at Pradera – 41-45–86
John Hadfield, South Suburban GC – 45-42–87
Joe Lee, Greeley CC – 41-46–87
Bretton Krantz, Ptarmigan CC – 43-44–87
Ben Robinson, Red Sky GC – 43-45–88
Kevin Klatman, Boulder CC – 42-46–88
Dylan Rakowski, Ironbridge GC – 43-45–88
Marc Gordon, Aspen GC – 44-44–88
Cole Cunningham, Valley CC – 42-47–89
Peter Hassan, Lake Valley GC – 42-47–89
Tyler Smiens, Broadlands GC – 44-45–89
Austin Hardman, Highlands Ranch GC – 45-44–89
Matt Bell, Harmony Club – 43-47–90
Alec Poorman, Flatirons Golf Cour – 48-43–91
Connor Alexander, Castle Pines GC – 43-49–92
Robert Morris Pettit, Ironbridge GC – 50-43–93
Kyle Kleckner, Cherokee Ridge GC – 48-48–96
Payton Devencenty, Green Valley Ranch GC – 51-46–97
Sam Benavram, Saddle Rock GC – 46-55–101
Darren Kasischke, Lakewood CC – 51-51–102
Alex Beaudoin, Pinery CC – NS
Ryan Schmitz, Colorado GC – NS