Idaho Vandals Men’s Golf Team Concludes Big West Championship with Strong Performance
LA QUINTA, Calif. – The Idaho Vandals’ men’s golf team finished the Big West Championship with a commendable fifth-place finish at La Quinta Country Club. Leading the charge, Josh McCartain tied for eighth with an overall score of four-under par, helping the team finish two-under for the tournament despite a one-over score during the final round.
McCartain showcased exceptional skill throughout the competition, launching with a solid two-under 70 in the opening round, followed by an impressive three-under 69 in the second round. He capped off the tournament with a one-over 73 on Tuesday.
Dalton Dean also delivered a strong performance, rebounding from a two-over 74 in the first round to produce consecutive one-under 71 scores, ultimately finishing even par and tying for 18th place. Teammates Joe Sykes and Matt McGann concluded the tournament at two-over, finishing tied for 21st, while Sam Johnson finished five-over, placing tied for 40th.
This championship marked Idaho’s return to the Big West after 18 years, and they outperformed former Big Sky rival Sacramento State by nine strokes. “I’m proud of our Vandals,” said head coach David Nuhn. “This was a challenging week with a new course and unfamiliar opponents.” He expressed particular pride in McCartain’s top-eight finish and Dean’s recovery over the tournament.
The event also marked the end of an era for Matt McGann, a team captain and standout who contributed greatly over his time at Idaho. Coach Nuhn highlighted McGann’s influence, stating, “I’ll miss seeing him play, but I’m excited for our future with the returning golfers and new recruits.”
The Vandals look ahead to next season, encouraged by their growth and performance throughout this challenging tournament.
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