STOCKTON, Calif. – Vanguard men's golf was back in business at the RJGA Visit Stockton DII Invite, leaving Norcal with a total team score of 610 (308-302) and a 19th-place finish out of 21 teams. VU's top two finishers were separated by just one shot, as
Tyler Williams and
Alexander Elia took 32nd and 39th place, respectively. Western Washington's Rex Wilson was the individual champion, while the team title was claimed by Colorado State-Pueblo, who shot seven under par (290-279) to cement top spot.
The Course: Made in 1992, the par-72 18-hole championship course was designed by renowned golf architects Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley. The pair constructed the 7,135-yardage course with scenic elevation changes, rolling terrain, and challenging, fast greens. Its well-known "parkland-style" construction also boasts significant water features on the back nine.
What Happened?
Williams was +4 with identical rounds of 74-74 (148). He came out on day two with six straight pars on over his first six holes, which was his tournament best streak. By the time the day closed out, Williams had cashed in on 26 total pars, the second-highest at the event. He also had ended with hree birdies and was sharpest on par-four (4.15, +3) and par-three holes (3.13, +1).
Elia jumped 17 places thanks to a 73-shot round on his second run through the course (76-73). He had three of his four birdies in the second round, and a nine-hole stretch where he either parred or birdied to gain ground on the rest of the pack. Elia ended with 23 pars and a sixth-place finish on par-threes (2.88, -1).
Paul Howard also had 23 pars and five birdies on his way to a tied 78th-place finish (78-76). The sophomore also led VU on par-five holes (4.75, -2) and was +3 (3.38) on par threes.
Kyle Koski equaled Howard's five birdies for a joint-team best, and his scores of 80-79 took him to 97th place. Koski was also parallel with Howard for par-threes (3.38) and stacked on 19 pars, picking up 10 on the final day.
Charlie Gulbe marked a score of 162, finishing in 103rd with four fewer strokes on his last day. He had three birdies and 16 pars, going even or better on five of the last nine holes.
The Lions were sixth in total pars and 16th on par-three holes (3.28, +11) and par-three fours (4.35).
What's Next? Men's golf returns next month at the Tim Tierney Invite on March 9-10.
