TUCSON, Ariz. – The Santa Clara men's golf team withstood a late charge by New Mexico to claim the title at the 14-team Arizona National Invitational, completed Tuesday at the 7,262-yard, par-72, Omni Tucson National Catalina Golf Course.
The Broncos scored a 7-under 281 in Tuesday's final round, winning the tournament by six strokes over the Lobos with an 18-under 846 team total. All three rounds were scored below par for the first time this season.
"It's nice to get a victory," said head coach Rob Miller. "Everybody chipped in. This really was a team victory, all the guys feel good about contributing."
Sophomore Hayden Shieh was a major factor in Santa Clara's first team title since the six-count-five Utah Ogio Invitational in 2014. Shieh torched the course for a record 10-under 62 in Sunday's first round and followed with two even-par rounds to finish in third-place with a 206 total, one shot behind co-winners Nick Voke of Iowa State and New Mexico's Gustavo Morantes.
Freshman Michiel Eyre III matched his career-low round with Tuesday's 3-under 69 and moved into a tie for 10th place with a trio of golfers at 4-under 212 for the tournament.
Tyler Kertson and Evan McLeod each shot a final round 2-under 70 to finish tied for 40th with a 221 (+5) total as all counting scores were at or below par. "Evan and Tyler's rounds were critical today," Miller added.
After carding a career-best 68 in Monday's second round, freshman Charlie Watson scored a 2-over 74 on Tuesday to place in a tie for 16th at 2-under 214.
The Broncos will stay in Arizona and head to Scottsdale for their next event, the Desert Mountain Intercollegiate, which starts Saturday. "This win gives us great momentum heading into our next tournament," Miller said.
Santa Clara Final Results
3. Hayden Shieh 62-72-72 = 206 (-10)
T10. Michiel Eyre 72-71-69 = 212 (-4)
T16. Charlie Watson 72-68-74 = 214 (-2)
T40. Tyler Kertson 72-79-70 = 221 (+5)
T40. Evan McLeod 75-76-70 = 221 (+5)
