Grand Canyon University’s Impressive Surge in the ASU Thunderbird Collegiate
Grand Canyon University (GCU) made a vibrant statement on the first day of the ASU Thunderbird Collegiate at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix, showcasing their mettle against a highly competitive field. After an exhilarating day filled with impressive plays, the Lopes found themselves tied for third place, proving their place among the elite in collegiate golf.
Strong Opening Round
GCU’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, with three of their five players delivering standout moments during the day’s marathon of 36 holes. By the end of the day, the Lopes stood at a remarkable 18 under par, trailing just three strokes behind the University of Houston and a noteworthy 13 strokes off the pace set by host Arizona State University.
Key Players Paving the Way
At the heart of this success was Tommaso Zorzetto, the graduate star leading the way for GCU. Zorzetto’s consistency shone brightly as he carded a bogey-free second round, finishing the day at 6 under par and tied for eighth place overall. Notably, he shot an impressive 5-under in the second round, contributing significantly to the Lopes’ team score of 10 under during that stretch.
Freshman Matthew Diehl and sophomore Gavin O’Neill also had impressive outings. Diehl, showcasing exceptional prowess, sank birdies on four of his first six holes, ending with a stunning 6-under round that tied for the third-best in the opening round. Meanwhile, O’Neill continued to impress, tying for 13th place at 5 under—thanks in part to a thrilling eagle on a par-5 to finish his first round strong.
Dominance at the Par-5 Holes
The Lopes demonstrated their strength at Papago’s par-5 holes, finishing at 16 under—the second-best score in the tournament, closely trailing ASU’s 17 under. O’Neill played a pivotal role in this effort, contributing a remarkable 5 under to the team total.
Comebacks and Contributions
Senior Kiko Coelho showcased resilience by rebounding from a challenging 4-over first round to shoot 4 under in his second round, particularly excelling with a 3-under finish over his final nine holes. Freshman Nixon Laurtizen also made his mark, bouncing back from an early struggle to shoot 2 under on his second round. Remarkably, Laurtizen carded 6 under over his last 15 holes, demonstrating his potential and tenacity.
Closing the Day Strong
It was a fitting end to the day when Coelho, Diehl, and Zorzetto each made crucial birdies on GCU’s 36th hole, propelling the Lopes into their solid third-place position.
As the team enters Saturday’s final round, they hold a favorable position ahead of four top-50 teams, with their eyes set on closing the gap on Houston and Arizona State. GCU fans and golf enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the ASU Thunderbird Collegiate.
Join Us for the Final Round!
Stay tuned as the Lopes look to capitalize on their impressive first-day performance in pursuit of victory. Will they maintain their momentum and dethrone their foes atop the leaderboard?
For more insights on college golf standings and updates, check out NCAA Golf for the latest news and scores.
With optimism and skill in their corner, GCU’s journey is just beginning!
