PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – Returning to his home state of Washington, Santa Clara University's Cory Mehl posted a four-round score of 5-over par at the 85th Washington State Men's Amateur Golf Championship, held at McCormick Woods Golf Club in Port Orchard, Wash.

Mehl, who will be a senior at SCU in the fall, finished the event tied for 10th among a 113-player field. He posted an opening-round of two-under par 70 and shot a final-round 74 on Thursday. For complete tournament results click here.

"All the guys I grew up with were here," said Mehl. "It was great to come back and meet up with them. We've played this course quite a bit growing up. I felt relaxed. I put up a good first round, could have gone a bit lower later in the tournament but was pleased with how it turned out."

The two-time All-West Coast Conference selection is enjoying a remarkable amateur career. He was one step away from qualifying for the U.S. Open Championship last summer, after placing second at the local qualifier in Half Moon Bay, Calif.

"It's been a great three years through college and playing in these amateur events," said Mehl. "I've come to appreciate being around so many good people and players. There is not as much pressure as a college tournament."

Mehl starred at O'Dea High School in Seattle, where he twice won the Metro League Championship tournament and led the Fighting Irish to its first-ever 3A Washington State Championship as a senior in 2008. 

"I feel really comfortable playing here," added Mehl. "I've been playing first-class golf down in California. Coming back to play with these guys is great. We all represent Washington wherever we go."

Mehl's next big challenge will be the US Amateur qualifier at the Members Club at Aldarra in Sammamish, Wash. on August 1.