UW golfers four strokes out of lead at Ram Masters Invite

LARAMIE -- At the conclusion of the first two rounds of the Ram Masters Invitational in Fort Collins, Colo., the Wyoming Cowboys are tied for fifth place but only four strokes out of the lead in a tightly-packed field of 16 teams.

On a very windy day at the Fort Collins Country Club, it made it difficult for anyone to shoot low scores, Wyoming shot rounds of 314 (+34) and 312 (+32) for a 36-hole total of 626 (+66). But the Cowboys are only four strokes back of first-place Northern Colorado, which posted a two-round total of 622 (+62).

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“The weather conditions were very challenging today, but I’m proud of the guys and how they handled themselves,” said Joe Jensen, Wyoming Director of Golf and Head Men’s Golf Coach. “Everyone had to play in the same conditions today and to be a good team you have to overcome adverse situations.

“Tomorrow will be a little more like match play almost. Rather than trying to shoot a number, we will need to be focused on making good decisions given the conditions. But we’ll still need to play confidently and aggressively.”

Wyoming’s top individual on Monday was Bryce Waters, who is tied for ninth at 153 (+13). The individual tournament leader is Jack Castiglia of Northern Colorado, who shot a 144 (+4).

“Bryce (Waters) did a good job of just playing consistently and not letting the tough conditions affect him,” Jensen said. “He kept his focus throughout today’s two rounds.”

Wyoming’s four other team members included Jimmy Dales and Kirby Coe-Kirkham, who are both tied for 22nd at 157 (+17). Jared Edeen recorded a 159 (+19) two-round total and is tied for 30th, and Tyler Severin is tied for 40th at,161 (+21).

There are four other Cowboys playing in the tournament as individuals. Partick Azevedo is tied for 14th at 154 (+14). Jaren Calkins is tied for 46th at 162 (+22). Cade McLaughlin is tied for 79th at 169 (+29), and Aidan Mann is in 87th place, with a score of 184 (+44).

The final round of the 2021 Ram Masters Invitational is scheduled to tee off at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The Fort Collins Country Club measures 7,234 yards and plays to a par of 70.

Team Standings

1. Northern Colorado 313-309=622 (+62)

2. Pacific 317-306=623 (+63)

3. Grand Canyon 316-308=624 (+64)

4. Wichita State 318-307=625 (+65)

5. Wyoming 314-312=626 (+66)

Colorado State 314-312=626 (+66)

7. Sacramento State 316-312=628 (+68)

Creighton 318-310=628 (+68)

9. Utah Valley 315-314=629 (+69)

10. Illinois State 315-319=634 (+74)

11. South Dakota 318-321=639 (+79)