By, Nick Johnson '13

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's golf team finished fifth at the 2011 WCC Championships to wrap up a strong season where the team's national ranking reached No. 75 in mid-March. The team highlight came at the Del Walker Intercollegiate in Long Beach, where SCU claimed championships honors. Four of the six Bronco golfers who competed in the tournament finished among the top 30. 

All told, the Broncos posted 17 rounds of 69 or better and shot a team total of 278 at the Pacific Invitational in early November, which was the season low. They also hosted the program's first-annual home tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the SCU Cabo Collegiate.

The team was led by senior Scott Travers who was crowned the 2011 Desert Intercollegiate champion with a three-round total of 213, his second collegiate win in his outstanding five-year Bronco career. "(Scott) graduates as one of the best golfers to play for our program in decades, having been named WCC Player of the year in the 2009-10 season," said sixth-year head coach Rob Miller. Travers was also named the 2010 Male Amateur Athlete of the Year in December by the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame for his outstanding play during the summer of 2010.

Sophomore Rick Lamb emerged to have a terrific season for the Broncos, and was named an All-WCC First Team honoree while also qualifying to play in the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships (San Diego Regional).  He finished 13th overall in a 75-player field with rounds of 75, 71, and 71.  Lamb was SCU's 2010-11 scoring leader (73.07).

"(Rick) got stronger as the year progressed and was our steadiest player in the spring season," said Miller. Lamb finished in the top 10 at four of the 11 events he competed in including a second-place finish at the Del Walker Intercollegiate, helping lead the team to victory. 

Juniors Cory Mehl and Ronnald Monaco also had strong seasons, providing the Broncos with low rounds and leadership for the underclassmen. Freshmen Scott Lowe, Bobby Monaco and John Callahan each showed a good deal of promise. "The guys worked hard throughout the season and all nine players on the team contributed to our national ranking," said Miller.

"Winning at Long Beach was certainly a thrill for the team and we will be working hard in the offseason and next year to get back into the winners circle," said Miller.