ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Chico State men's golf team wrapped up play at the Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout, finishing tied for sixth in the 18-team field after 54 holes at Corica Park. The Wildcats posted rounds of 286, 288 and 290 to end the tournament at 1-under par as a team.
Freshman Ty Weaver turned in the top finish for Chico State, shooting a collegiate career-low 69 in Monday's opening round and following with rounds of 70 and 72 to place tied for ninth. Weaver ranked third in the field on par-4 scoring and tied for fourth in birdies with 14 over three rounds. Weaver said his iron play was the key to his week, and when asked about his mindset entering the final round, he said he kept reminding himself to take it hole by hole, emphasizing not rushing and making sure he stayed committed to his routine. Head coach Nick Green credited Weaver's attitude and demeanor on the course as a major factor in his overall success.
Senior Naoki Easterday opened with a 68 before posting a 73 in round two and a 71 in the final round, highlighted by a clean closing card that featured 17 pars and one birdie. Easterday finished tied for 11th and ranked second in the field in total pars with 40 over the three-rounds.
Junior Cooper Hambrick carded rounds of 73, 73 and 73 to finish tied for 41st, including a 34 on the front nine in the final round. Freshman Vineet Vallamsetty posted scores of 76, 71 and 74 to place tied for 48th, while senior Giuliano Kaminski made his way into the lineup and turned in rounds of 78, 74 and 76 to finish tied for 82nd. Junior Alex Lemmon competed as an individual and recorded rounds of 75, 78 and 72 to finish tied for 72nd.
As a team, Chico State ranked third in the field on par-3 scoring at 7-over par and finished among the top ten in birdies made with 47 for the tournament. Green said the Wildcats will look to improve their execution on wedge shots and putting, noting that speed control and converting short putts are key areas the team wants to clean up moving forward.
Host Cal State East Bay captured the team title at 15-under par. Individually, Tucker Sweeney of Santa Clara, competing as an individual, earned medalist honors, finsihing at 10-under par.
Up next, Chico State heads to Oak Valley Golf Club, to compete in the Coyote Classic hosted by Cal State San Bernardino on Monday and Tuesday, March 23–24.
