Taking California by storm, the men’s golf team, led by senior Danny Wax, finished in fourth place at the Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate Tournament in Palm Springs this past weekend.
Individually, Wax was tied for second after 54 holes with Kevin Tucker of Washington State, but Wax took first place after comparing scorecards. This was his first career win as a Pioneer.
“I’ve been focusing on my putting and course management,” Wax said. “I’m excited to be able to play in my home state.”
Wax shined on the green with three eagles and finished 3-under par with scores of 69-76-68, after being 6-under par for 5 holes during weekend play.
Senior Chris Gilman finished behind Wax for the second best performance by DU, with a score of 226, finishing tied for 26th with a 77 in the final round.
One stroke behind Gilman was sophomore Austin Uhl, 11-over par, with a score of 71 (under-par) on Sunday.
In Palm Springs, Denver placed fourth with a score of 894, one stroke behind third place Oregon State, with a score of 893. Second place was taken 10 strokes ahead by Idaho State. Champion Colorado State University won with a score of 877.
After placing fourth in the Cardinals Intercollegiate Tournament in Louisville, Ky., the men’s golf team had hoped to improve this weekend.
“I believe we need to work on self-confidence and quiet confidence,” said head coach Eric Hoos. “These qualities come from knowing you have done everything you can to prepare.”
Junior Espen Kofstad, who was named Sun Belt Conference Golfer of the Month for September, placed 50th after finishing 3rd at the Cardinal tournament.
“I’ve improved a lot,” said Kofstad. “We started practicing with our new assistant and worked harder. Our short [game] is helping.”
After practicing four to five hours a day with an addition to the coaching staff, assistant Barrett Lais, the team has reason to be excited for the rest of the season, which will continue on Oct. 20 with the Sycuan Collegiate Invitational in San Diego.
“We’ve got a good group of young men working hard,” said Hoos. “If we continue this effort, who knows what we can accomplish.”
