BLAINE, Wash- In a comeback of monumental proportions, the Sonoma State men's golf team came from nine strokes back in the final round to win the 2009 NCAA Division II Men's Golf National Championship on Friday at Loomis Trail Golf Course in Blaine, Washington. It is the third national championship in the history of the school and the first for the men's golf program.
After an incredible comeback effort on the back nine (Sonoma gained seven strokes on San Bernardino), the Seawolves finally drew even with the Coyotes on the final hole when Patrick Bauer's bogey bested a double-bogey by CSUSB's Gene Webster. The ending could not have been scripted better as the Seawolves and Coyotes were paired together and all eyes were on Bauer and Webster down the stretch.
Sonoma would then edge San Bernardino 16-17 on the playoff hole to emerge with the trophy. The Seawolves got four pars and one bogey while the Coyotes carded three pars and two bogeys. The team playoff was played on the 18th hole.
Said head coach Val Verhunce, "I tried to keep it really simple and told them that no matter the outcome, I just wanted them to do their best. That was all I could ask."
The Seawolves entered Friday nine strokes back and were still in fourth place midway through the round. Verhunce said he didn't really feel like the team was in contention until the 12th round of the day.
For the third time in the tournament's four rounds, sophomore
Patrick Bauer led the way. The Colfax native finished third individually with a score of 71-72-76-71--290. Two-time national player of the year
Jarin Todd finished 12th at 72-76-73-73--294. Jarin's brother,
Janssen Todd was 29th at 76-75-75-73--299.
Spencer Shishido (37th, 74-76-77-74--301) and
Ryan Carter (55th, 76-73-75-82--306) rounded out the Seawolves' efforts.
Founded in 2004, the Sonoma State men's golf team is in just its sixth season. The squad finished 13th at the national championship in 2007 and 16th in 2008. The Seawolves won CCAA titles in 2008 and 2009 and a west region title in 2008.
The Seawolves become the first CCAA institution to win the NCAA Division II men's golf national championship since Cal State Northridge in 1974 and just the fourth all-time. It is the first win by a California school since UC Davis in 1979. It is also the first time that CCAA schools have finished 1-2 in the national championship tournament.
Sonoma State previously captured national championships in women's soccer (1990) and men's soccer (2002).
Gavin Smith of Indiana (PA) won individual medalist honors, winning a playoff hole against Kelbi Lee of Ferris.
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