Cal opens spring with dominant Farms Invitational victory
Collin Morikawa (Cal Athletics photo)
Cal opened its spring season just like it closed the fall one. The Golden Bears have now strung together two consecutive victories, even if they were separated by the winter offseason.
A spring-opening win at the Farms Invitational was dominant. Cal finished 36 shots better than runner-up Loyola Marymount University at the Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Cal was 21 under as a team for three rounds, and was the only team under par. Loyola Marymount finished at 15 over.
"The team played really well today and it was fun to see,” head coach Walter Chun said. “Our guys played with purpose and wanted to make a statement. They made their statement and it's a great way to start spring."
Senior Collin Morikawa led the team with a 13-under total that earned him the individual title. He was 11 shots ahead of runner-up Riley Elmes from Loyola Marymount.
Morikawa birdied his final four holes Tuesday as part of his eight total to just a single bogey. That helped him to a final-round 65. Morikawa had also eagled the 18th hole to punctuate a second-round 1-under 71 by holing out a 20-footer from the bunker.
“I didn't feel completely in synch with my game but used what I had and was able to find some rhythm in some parts of the round,” Morikawa said. “Finishing with four birdies to close out the tournament felt awesome and I'll definitely use this momentum heading into our next event."
Long Beach State finished at 20 over and in third, followed by California Baptist with a 26-over total for fourth.
Information from Cal Athletics used in this report
ABOUT THE The Farms Collegiate Invitational
College tournament hosted by the University of San
Diego and The Farms Golf Club. Team (best four
scores
of five players) and individual competitions.
View Complete Tournament Information