BOISE – Idaho men's golf claimed four of the top five spots and all six Vandal golfers finished in the top eight as Idaho overcame a first-round deficit to earn a 10-stroke victory over Boise State in the inaugural Battle for Idaho, Tuesday at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise.
"It was an exciting opportunity to play against a longtime rival and compete for bragging rights in the Gem State," head coach
David Nuhn said. "We are grateful to Boise State for hosting us and for Hillcrest and their membership for allowing us to play. The course was a great test and we are going to be better prepared to face the conference tournament after playing here. I am proud of the guys for remaining patient, showing composure and finishing strong."
Joe Sykes tallied an even-par 71 in round three, including two-under on his final eight holes to claim a share of the individual title with Boise State's Cole Rueck at six-over for the tournament.
"The management was there for Joe. He was patient, remained calm and made a lot of four-to-six-foot putts. Overall, it was methodical and measured, he didn't let himself get too high or low," Nuhn said. "There are several guys on the team who are really confident heading into next week and are really prepared to play well at Wigwam."
Sam Johnson finished nine-over for the tournament, alone in third place, while
Johannes Hounsgaard and TJ Patterson tied for fourth at 10-over.
Matt McGann was two-under with no bogeys in his final 10 holes to finish 14-over for the tournament and take seventh.
Dalton Dean finished 15-over for eighth place ahead of four Boise State golfers.
Boise State opened the tournament with a seven-stroke lead after the first round, but the Vandals battled back to tie the dual after round two. The teams traded the lead early Tuesday, but Idaho pulled away on the back nine to earn the 10-stroke victory.
The dual was the regular-season finale for the Vandals. Idaho looks ahead to the Big Sky Championship next week at Wigwam Golf Course in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
