VISTA, Calif. – The Chico State men's golf team wrapped up play Tuesday at the Fujikura Invitational at Shadowridge Country Club, finishing fourth in the 13-team field with a three-round total of 8-over par.
The Wildcats opened the tournament strong on Monday, posting a 284 (-4) in the opening round to move into first place after the morning session. The Wildcats made the most of their scoring chances early, playing the par 5s at 9-under to separate themselves from the field. Chico State also led the tournament in pars made, highlighting the team's consistency throughout the three rounds. Head coach Nick Green emphasized that success on par 5s remains a key focus for the team, as those holes consistently provide the best opportunities. Chico State added a 295 (+7) in the second round and wrapped up the tournament with a 293 (+5) in Tuesday's final round.
Senior Naoki Easterday once again led the Wildcats, continuing his consistent play throughout the season. Easterday opened with a 69 (-3) that included five birdies, followed by a 73 (+1) in round two. He closed the tournament with a steady 71 in the final round to finish tied for second individually, marking his third top-five finish of the season.
Freshman Vineet Vallamsetty delivered a strong finish in the final round, carding a 72 to jump seven spots up the leaderboard and finish tied for seventh overall. Vallamsetty opened the tournament with back-to-back even-par rounds of 72 and showed continued consistency throughout the week. Head coach Nick Green highlighted Vallamsetty's mindset, noting that he brings a positive approach and competitive edge to every round, while also pointing to his strong short game and effectiveness on the greens.
Ty Weaver, competing in his first collegiate tournament, closed with a 73 in the final round to finish tied for 22nd. Weaver posted rounds of 72-75 in the first two rounds.
Junior Alex LemMon posted rounds of 71-76-77 to finish 44th, while Grant Burback recorded rounds of 75-75-81 to finish tied for 56th.
Western Washington captured the team title, finishing the tournament at even par. Individually, Liam Weaver of Cal State San Marcos earned medalist honors after finishing at 10-under par for the event.
The Wildcats will return to action March 9–10 at the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout, hosted by Cal State East Bay at Corica Park in Alameda, Calif.
