Men’s Golf Completes Final Round of Amer Ari Intercollegiate

KOHALA COAST, Hawai’i – The University of Hawai’i men’s golf team concluded competition at the Amer Ari Intercollegiate on Saturday, finishing 20th overall at the prestigious tournament held at Mauna Lani Resort’s North Course. Auburn University dominated the field, securing their first Amer Ari title with a remarkable 77-under par total of 787.

Auburn’s Dominance

Auburn’s victory was decisive, maintaining the lead throughout the three-day event. Their final round score of 258 cemented their position at the top of the leaderboard. Texas finished as the runner-up with a score of 800, followed by Arizona State (806), Texas Tech (807), and Stanford (808).

Did You Know? The Amer Ari Intercollegiate is in its 49th year, making it the seventh-longest running collegiate golf tournament in the country.

Rainbow Warrior Performance

The Rainbow Warriors posted a final round of 291, bringing their three-day total to 874 (+10). Nathan Szpakowicz and James Whitworth led the UH team, both finishing at 2-over par 218 and tying for 90th place. Szpakowicz carded a final round of 1-under 71, while Whitworth shot a 74.

Individual Results

Dane Watanabe finished at 4-over 220, tying for 97th place after a final round of 74.
Alec Hilgers and Chris Salem both finished at 224, tying for 108th place. Hilgers shot a 76, while Salem carded a 72.
Cameron Combado finished 120th with a total of 236 after an 80 in the final round.
Quinn Murray completed the tournament at 240, finishing 121st with a final round of 78.

Expert Insight: A 20th-place finish in a field featuring top-ranked programs like Auburn demonstrates the competitive landscape of collegiate golf. The Amer Ari Intercollegiate consistently attracts strong teams, providing a valuable benchmark for programs like Hawai’i.

Looking Ahead

The Rainbow Warriors will next host the John A. Burns Intercollegiate, scheduled for February 12-14 at the Ocean Course at Hokuala. This event represents an opportunity for Hawai’i to compete on their home course and potentially improve their standing against a field of collegiate competitors. The team could leverage their familiarity with the course conditions to their advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Auburn’s final score?

Auburn finished with a total score of 787, 77-under par.

What place did the University of Hawai’i finish?

The University of Hawai’i finished in 20th place with a total score of 874.

Who were the top finishers for the Rainbow Warriors?

Nathan Szpakowicz and James Whitworth were UH’s top finishers, both tying for 90th place at 2-over par 218.

What factors might influence the Rainbow Warriors’ performance at the upcoming John A. Burns Intercollegiate?