Stan State’s Men’s Golf team just wrapped up their home tournament with a strong showing, pairing a competitive performance at the 51st Annual Hanny Stanislaus Invitational with a meaningful Senior Day for the team’s only senior, Chase Bird. (Business)
The Warriors finished the first two rounds in fourth place out of 11 teams with a score of 580, (12 strokes over par), at Turlock Golf & Country Club. This performance kept The Warriors right in the mix against a loaded field.
The Warriors opened the round with a 292 and followed it up with a 288, improving by four strokes and sitting just one shot out of third place heading into the final round.
Competing against several nationally ranked programs, including: CSU San Bernardino, Chico State and Western Washington, the Warriors held their ground and finished ahead of both CSU Monterey Bay and Cal State East Bay in the standings.
CSU San Bernardino led the tournament with a score of 564, which is 4 strokes under par, followed by Chico State at 571 (3 over par) and Western Washington at 579 (11 over par).
Individually, Tyler Price and Kamron Hopson of CSU San Bernardino, along with William Jessup’s Braden Armstrong, shared the top spot with scores of 140, or 2 strokes under par.
(Cooper Winton)
For Stan State, Owen Bascom (Freshman, Business) led the way, finishing tied for seventh with a score of 142, even with par after rounds of 72 and 70. Riley Kirk also turned in a strong performance, tying for 10th with a 143, just 1 stroke over par.
Stan State’s Carson Diaz (Junior, Business) (74-73) finished tied for 22nd at 147, which is 5 over par, while Ricky Sullivan (Sophomore, Business) (75-73) placed tied for 25th at 148, or 6 over par. Bird rounded out the Warriors’ top five, finishing tied for 41st at 150, 8 strokes over par, with rounds of 76 and 74.
Competing as individuals, Jesse Verheul (Freshman, Business) placed tied for 61st at 155 (13 over par), and Ethan Gonsalves (Sophomore, Accounting) finished 65th at 159 (17 over par).
While the Warriors’ performance stood out, the day carried added meaning as lone Senior Chase Bird was honored following the tournament.
“It was a pretty cool feeling,” Bird said. “My Senior Day experience was great. I wish I had played a little better, but it didn’t take away from how special it was.”
Bird reflected on the support he received throughout his time with the program.
“Stanislaus is great from top to bottom,” he said. “From our strength and conditioning coach always bringing energy, to our counselors helping me with classes and anything else I needed. And Coach Christianson — he’s seen the best of the best in golf and shared that knowledge with me. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had.”
After a special last few years, Bird leaves the program with a lasting connection.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here,” he said. “I’ll be a Warrior for life.”
With a strong showing on their home course and clear improvement between rounds, the Warriors carry momentum into the postseason. Stan State will next travel to Stockton for the CCAA Championships at The Reserve at Spanos Park from April 20–22.
