The Dixie State University men’s golf team finished second as a team in a Division-I tournament.
The team improved after being tied for fourth at the Pat Hicks Thunderbird Invitational the first day. Junior Hayden Christensen led the way with an impressive 4-under-par 68 the first day, followed by a 2-under-par 70 the second day.
Seattle University won the tournament with a team score of 573, and DSU took second with a total of 587 over the two days.
The tournament was played at the local Sunbrook Golf Course, and some Red Storm players felt they had a home-field advantage.
“Coach made us practice on this course about twice a week to get us ready for this tournament,” said Kenny You, a sophomore communication major from Sandy. “It helped me on the greens, so I was familiar with some of the pin placements, and that helped me with my putts, and my putting really kept me close.”
You finished with a 144 total over two days, posting exactly par on the course.
The Pat Hicks Invitational has been a yearly pursuit for the Red Storm at Sunbrook.
“This course is always in great shape,” said Christensen, a finance major from Vancouver, Wash. “This course favors draw players like me and has three different kinds of nine’s, and we love playing it for this tournament every year.”
After kicking off this year with a good showing, DSU is hopeful for its success this season.
“It was a solid start to the spring season,” Christensen said. “Being the only Division-II team in a Division-I tourney, I think we had a pretty good showing. I think we have potential to improve, but it was a pretty solid start for sure.”
Christensen came second individually for the tournament with a score of 138. The only player who performed better was Utah Valley University’s J.T. Timmons who shot a 134.
DSU golf will tee-off next in the Coyote Classic in San Bernardino, Calif. Feb 24.
