Kelley Sullivan won the individual stroke play title at the 2017 California Collegiate Athletic Association Championships. But his joy was quickly eroded when the Wildcats were upset in the opening round of the medal match play, ending their CCAA Championship Tournament title hopes.
Sullivan nearly defended his title last week at Butte Creek Country Club, finishing second overall with a 2-under par 214. The junior from Sammamish, Washington carded rounds of 73, 70 and 71 to lead the Wildcats to the stroke play title and top seed in medal match play.
This time Sullivan and the Wildcats walked away smiling. Sullivan took control on the front nine and ran away with his semifinal round match against Cal State San Bernardino, which Chico State beat 4-0-1. Sullivan saved his best round of the week for the final, shooting 68 against his opponent from Cal State Monterey Bay to win by seven strokes. When his par putt dropped on the 18th Wednesday afternoon, the Wildcats were officially CCAA Champions for the first time since 2012 and second time ever. They beat the Otters 3-2-0.
Sullivan and the Wildcats will next compete at the NCAA Championships West/South Central Regional Championships May 7-9 at Toscosa Golf Club's La Paloma Course in Amarillo, Texas. They earned the No. 1 seed in the West. The top five teams will advance to the NCAA Championship finals. Last season Sullivan qualified for the Championships as an individual, finishing 23rd. This season, he's hoping to go as part of the team.
