CLE ELUM, Wash. – The Washington State University men's golf team tied for seventh place with a total score of 893 (+41) at the Husky Invitational, Tuesday, at Tumble Hills Golf Course. Pac-12 competitors Oregon and Washington were declared co-champions (+13, 865).
Freshmen Aaron Whalen and AJ Armstrong led the team, with Whalen finishing tied for 10th at 5-over par (218) and Armstrong closing out the tournament tied for 16th at 8-over (221). The duo combined for seven of the team's 15 third-round birdies.
“They're both great players, so it wasn't a surprise,” WSU Head Coach Garrett Clegg said of Whalen and Armstrong.
Sophomore Derek Bayley carded four consecutive birdies on the back nine for his second top-25 finish of the season. Bayley's third-round score was his lowest of the tournament, staying even with par at 71 to bring his three-round total to 223 (+10).
Seniors Bhurinat Songpaiboon and Evan Omelia placed 55th and tied for 56th, respectively. Songpaiboon (+18, 231) finished one stroke ahead of Omelia (+19, 232), who eagled on the 14th hole.
“We've just got to clean things up,” Clegg said. “We look to be sharper in our upcoming events.”
Several other Cougars finished in the top 25 at the Husky Individual event, led by sophomore Zach Anderson and freshman Grant Cole. The duo tied for 10th with a three-round total of 227 (+11), two strokes ahead of freshman teammate Austin Brown, who tied for 13th (+13, 229).
Juniors Nick Mandell and Ryan Baumgart tied for 17th (+16, 232) and 22nd (+19, 235), respectively. Senior Seth Nickerson tied for 27th (+20, 236).
The Cougars return home to host the Itani Quality Homes Classic, Sept. 28-29, at Palouse Ridge Golf Club.
