GOODYEAR, AZ- Colorado Christian continued play in Arizona at the RJGA Palm Valley Classic April 8-9. The Cougars were absolutely clinical, firing off the lowest round in program history in round two (270, -18), the lowest first day total (548, -27) and the lowest tournament score in the history of the program with a total of 827 (-37) to claim their second consecutive victory on the week.
ROUND ONE
Fresh off of a win at the Hot Dirt Desert Shootout, CCU kept the momentum rolling as they began play at the Palm Valley Golf Club.
Xavier Bighaus came out scorching hot, shooting a 66 for -6 on an impressive eight birdies.
Peyton Jones followed with a 70 as he netted three birdies while
Adam Duncan followed with a 71 on four birdies.
Bradley Mulder shot an even par 72, and
Dylan Arthur closed with a 73.
Cole Grossl led the individuals for CCU in the first round with a 74, followed by
Cameron Sandland with a 76.
Ben Fowler closed with a 78 to end the first round.
ROUND TWO
Mulder had a career round in the second, shooting an incredible 63 on five birdies and two eagles with no bogeys to set the second best 18-hole score in program history. The performance was a career best from the freshman, who has plenty more to come in the next three years. Duncan continued his stellar play, firing off a 68 while sinking six birdies. Bighaus followed with five birdies and an eagle to card a 69, while Jones continued to impress with a 70. Arthur closed with a 71 as all five starters finished under par and set the program low round of 270 (-18).
Fowler was excellent in the second round, carding a 69 on four birdies. Grossl stayed consistent with another 74 on a pair of birdies, while Sandland finished the day out with an 80.
ROUND THREE
With the lead going into the final round, CCU was not about to let it slip and stayed hot throughout the final day. Mulder was excellent yet again, shooting a 70 on five birdies and an eagle to claim third place overall. Bighaus posted a 71 with four birdies and an eagle to tie for fourth place in a strong showing for the junior. Jones netted eight birdies on his way to a team-best final round score of 68, while Duncan carded a 69 on six birdies as the teammates tied for ninth overall. Arthur closed with a 76 as he tied for 61st.
Fowler shot a final round 73 to tie his teammate for 61st, while Grossl carded a 75 to tie for 77th. Sandland posted a third round score of 71 with six birdies as he claimed a tie for 93rd.
As a team, the Cougars totaled a new tournament best 827 (279, 270, 278) to claim the victory by six strokes over runner-up and host Western New Mexico. For the second straight tournament, CCU placed four players inside the top 11, with all four coming inside the top 9 as well. Colorado Christian took down RMAC foe CSU Pueblo who is ranked #14 in the country as well as conference opponent Colorado School of Mines who is #22 in the nation for their second consecutive victory.
With a perfect 2-0 record on their trip to Arizona, the Cougars will return to their home state to take part in the Southern Colorado Masters in Pueblo April 15-16 before the RMAC Championships begin April 21-23 in Nevada.
