SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – California men’s golf closed out the Maui Jim Intercollegiate on Sunday afternoon at Mirabel Golf Club. The Bears finished 12th (835, -5) after opening the third and final round in a tie for 7th. As a team, Cal shot over par for the first time this weekend with a collective score of 283 (+3).
“Overall we are definitely not satisfied with our performance,” Assistant Coach Chris Massoletti said. “We did a good job the first two rounds, scrapping together some decent scores with not having our best stuff and we had an opportunity today to play a good round and have a decent showing. Unfortunately, our youth caught up to us and we made a few too many mistakes that you just can’t make against this strong of a field.”
Redshirt sophomore Costas Panay was the Bears’ top scorer, finishing tied for 24th (205, -5) after shooting a 70 (E) on Sunday. His best score came in the second round when he finished five strokes under par (65) which included five birdies and an eagle. He recorded another eagle in today’s final round and was one of just four players in the 90-person field to collect two eagles in the tournament. His tie for 24th is his best finish in his Golden Bear career.
“Big kudos to Costas coming in on very short notice and stepping up,” Massoletti said. “We always preach to the guys that you have to be ready to go at all times because anything can happen and Costas was ready to go! I am very proud of his performance and hopefully it has given him a boost of confidence.”
Cal’s second-lowest scorer was redshirt freshman Tony Chen. After carding a 73 (+3) in the opening round, Chen delivered back-to-back rounds under par (68 and 69) on Saturday and Sunday respectively. He ultimately tied for 52nd with 210 (E) strokes overall. Redshirt freshman Ethan Chung also tied for 52nd alongside Chen. Chung delivered a 72 (+2) on Sunday, but his best round was his first when he collected 67 (-3) strokes which put him into a tie for 13th at the time. The Bears’ final scorer was sophomore Sampson Zheng who finished one stroke back of Chen and Chung (211, +1); he tied for 58th.
Cal will now return to Berkeley with their sights set on the OFCC/Fighting Illini Invitational which will take place next weekend (September 17-19) at the Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois.
“We have a quick turnaround this week,” Massoletti said. “So, we will learn from our mistakes, take our positives and go compete at one of the best venues in the country.”
To follow Cal men’s golf this season, visit calbears.com, or follow the team on Twitter, and Instagram.