The TCU Men’s Golf team returned to the Desert Intercollegiate in Palm Desert, California this weekend with one thing on their mind: a team win.
After finishing in a tie for third place last season, TCU bounced back this year and claimed the crown.
After a strong second round that had TCU in second place going into the final round, the Frogs had some ground to make up.
Down by nine strokes to No. 15 Texas Tech, the Horned Frogs pulled off the team victory by winning one stroke above the Red Raiders. TCU also claimed the victory over last year’s champion, No. 2 Oregon.
Paul Barjon was the highest finisher individually for the Horned Frogs.
Firing the second-lowest round of the day, the junior shot a 3-under 69 to claim No. 2 overall. He shot four birdies and fired his second eagle of the tournament which came on the 560-yard par-5 14th hole.
After starting the day in the No. 15 spot and sitting at par, sophomore Chelso Barrett matched Barjon by firing off a 3-under 69 to shoot all the way up and claim a tie for No. 5.
Senior Julien Brun shot a 1-under 71 and finished in a tie for No. 10, carding a total of four birdies in his final round.
After starting the day by shooting a double bogey, sophomore Giulio Castagnara rolled in four birdies on the back nine, shooting a 2-over 74 and ended in a tie for No. 16.
Senior Andrew Presley overcame a rough start to the tournament. He had solid second and third rounds, firing off a 1-under 71 and 2-over 74, respectively. Presley finished the tournament tied for No. 38.
This was the first team title for the Horned Frogs this season and fourth top five finish. TCU will have a quick turnaround as they head to the National Invitational Tournament on Feb. 28 in Tucson, AZ.
Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate
The Classic Club/Troon Golf Course (Palm Desert, CA)
TEAM STANDINGS (24 teams)
1. TCU -9
2. #15 Texas Tech -8
3. Denver -7
4. Kansas State +9
5. #2 Oregon +14
INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS (124 competitors)
2. Paul Barjon -7
T.5 Chelso Barrett -3
T.10 Julien Brun +1
T.16 Giulio Castagnara +3
T.38 Andrew Presley +7