Kingsmen golf season is in full swing, with three major wins already. The team brought home the championship trophy for the Concan Invitational for the second year in a row, making California Lutheran University history.

With a score of 612 (+36), the Kingsmen defeated seven other schools including Concordia University, Southwestern University and Mississippi College. The tournament, held at Texas Lutheran University in Blanco, Texas, followed a win at The Master’s College Spring Invitational earlier this month.

Participants in the Concan Invitational were sophomores Bobby Griffin and Barret McGinnis, junior Mikey McGinn and seniors Parker Colvin and Chad Kimmelshue. Senior Cody Price played at the tournament as an individual.

“Our strength as a team is the team depth and how we all fuel on each other playing well,” says Griffin.

This depth has brought success to the team, as all of the Kingsmen competing at the invitational placed in the top 13. McGinnis placed fifth with a score of 152 (+8). Griffin placed ninth with a 154 (+10) and was one par away from leading in pars at the invitational. Colvin placed 11th with a score of 155 (+11), with 21 pars and four birdies. Kimmelshue placed 12th with a score of 156 (+12) with 20 pars. McGinn held 13th place with a 157 (+13), with four birdies and an eagle. Price came in 22nd, with a score of 165 (+21), and 19 pars.

Price, from Friday Harbor, Wash., has played all four years during his time at CLU. While playing his last competitive season is a bittersweet feeling for him, he still hopes for improvement, with goals to lower his scoring average and make more birdies each round.

“When it comes to showing leadership on the team, he[Price has]  got it, as well as the ability to have fun with what he’s doing on the green,” said junior Zach Hornor-Hernandez.

Following this invitational, the Kingsmen hosted a match against Chapman University on Thursday, March 14, at Tierra Rejada Golf Course in Moorpark. Although they were defeated by the Panthers, the Kingsmen had a close run with a score of 299-306.

“The most challenging thing this season has been playing consistently. Golf is a weird sport like that, where you can have really good rounds and then really bad rounds,” said Hornor-Hernandez.

Up next for the Kingsmen is the La Verne Invitational on March 25 and 26. CLU will host a tournament on April 6 and 7 at Tierra Rejada Golf Course.

Caitlin Dimmitt
Staff Writer
Published March 20, 2013