Justin Wiles' spring season did not meet his high personal standards. But his performance at last week's California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championships should have come as no surprise. As Chico State men's golf alumnus Kevin Rei pointed out during the action in Stockton: "He always comes to play in the postseason."
Wiles shot a second-round 66 at Brookside Country Club last Monday afternoon, matching the lowest round produced all week, to finish tied for third in stroke play and earn CCAA Championship All-Tournament honors. He finished 5-under to lead the Wildcats to the stroke play title and earn Wildcat of the Week recognition.
Tuesday, Wiles carded a 1-under par 71 to win his medal match play matchup.
It was the latest in a growing pile of postseason successes for the junior from Klamath Falls, Ore.
The 2014 Golf Coaches Association of America/PING honorable mention All-American tied for fifth in stroke play at the NCAA Championships in 2014, not long after finishing tied for 23rd at the NCAA West/South Central Regional. He also netted CCAA Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-CCAA and CCAA All-Academic accolades.
This season, Wiles got off to a very strong start, earning medalist honors in the season's first event and then finishing third at the InterWest Wildcat Classic at Butte Creek Country Club.
But he had not registered a top-10 finish since prior to start of the postseason.
Next up for Wiles and the Wildcats is the NCAA West/South Central Regional at Hiddenbrooke Golf Club in Vallejo May 4-6. A top-five finish there would earn the Wildcats a return trip to the NCAA Championships.
Don't be surprised if Wiles leads the Wildcats back. After all, this is his time of year.
