MARYSVILLE, Calif. -- Men's golf took to the tees in their season opener at the Wildcat Classic, hosted by Chico State at the Peach Tree Golf and Country Club. The Lions finished seventh out of 14 programs at the event, with a team total of 857 (280-286-291), seven strokes below par. The hosting Wildcats took the team title with 823 shots (277-271-275) and claimed gold and silver in the individual honors.

The Blue and Gold ruptured several program records, including the lowest single-round score (280) and the lowest score for a 54-hole tournament (857). Their lowest single-round score of 280 surpasses their previous mark of 291 set in 2019, and their lowest score for a 54-hole tournament (857) shatters the previous mark of 882.

In addition, VU had two competitors, Fisher Ransom and Kyle Koski, who clocked individual records for the second-lowest score in a single round (67) to finish the event. As a team, they also recorded an impressive five eagles, split between three Lions, the highest of any team at the Classic.

The Course: The Peach Tree Golf Course has been one of the premier golf courses in Northern California for the past 60 years. Designed by Bob Baldock, the 6,898-yard course is set amidst the valley's beautiful peach, plum, and walnut orchards. The greens are layered with a Bermuda grass layout and are studded with wide fairways, old growth trees and strategically placed bunkers offering a challenging yet rewarding arrangement for competitors.

What Happened? Ransom was the highest VU finisher as the senior finished tied fourth with 207 shots (71-69-67), nine under par. He started the Classic sharp with two eagles split between the opening two rounds, then rose in the ranks with seven birdies in the closing round. Ransom would finish tied first in total birdies (15) and earn top spot on par-three holes (-8, 2.33).

Koski secured 23rd with 214 strokes (67-73-74) and the best first-round score at the event. His opening round came with an eagle on the second hole as well as five birdies. Though his pacing teetered on day two, Koski retained his position with another eagle in round two and ended his course run with 11 total birdies. He would also finish tied 4th on par-fives (-7, .442).

Alexander Elia and Rex Robinette each concluded the Classic with identical scores of 218 to settle in 45th place. Elia (71-69-78) had his hand in the final Lion Eagle of the event on the 11th hole of round two and paired his season debut with seven birdies. Robinette used a six-birdie burst in round one for his best score of 71. Then enforced a steady-handed 32 pars for round tallies of 75 and 72.
Charles Gulbe rounded out the group tied 81st, netting three birdies and 31 pars for a score of 235 (77-79-79).

What Was Said? "Very proud of our men's team to start our fall season with a school record for team score," starts Head Coach Jeff Anderson. "They were led by Fisher Ransom, and we also had some other outstanding performances by senior captain Rex Robinette, as well as sophomores Alex Elia and Kyle Koski. Looking forward to our next competition just over a week up in Washington."

What's Next? Men's golf will head to Washington for the Kevin Bishop Invitational, September 26-27.