MCC golf season ends with sixth place finish

LOVELAND, Colo. – The McCook Community College golf team wrapped up its season Friday with a sixth-place finish in the West District Tournament.

The championship was played at The Olde Course at Loveland, Colo., and was hosted by Region IX and Northeastern Junior College. Teams played two rounds Thursday and wrapped up with one round Friday. The West District includes teams competing from Region 1 (Arizona), Region 9 and Region 18 (Utah, Idaho).

“Going into today, we were only six shots out of fourth place, and we had a real chance to make something happen and get qualified for nationals,” said MCC Coach Grant Case. “However, today just wasn’t anyone’s day, which was a frustrating way to end the year.”

MCC shot a first-round 311 Thursday, which was seventh among the seven teams competing.

“Lots of ups and downs this week,” said Case. “We got off to a pretty poor start with our first-round score on Thursday.”

Later on Thursday the Indians responded with a 293, which was tied for third-best among the field. 

Sophomore Matt Grimonprez (Wasquehal, France) shot a first-round 71 and followed that up with a 72.

After carding a first-round 78, sophomore Ross Donachie (Narin, Scotland) came back with a 73 in the second round Thursday and sophomore Chance Gambini (Las Vegas, Nevada) followed his first round 81 with an even-par second-round 72.

“Everyone did a really good job of battling back in the second round and giving ourselves a chance to sneak into the top four today,” said Case. “That second round was highlighted by some really high-level play from Ross at +1 and Chance turning an even-par round, as well as Matt continuing his good play from the first round, finishing Thursday at -1.”

The up-and-down tournament took a different turn Friday as the Indians shot a 316.

Grimonprez had a final round 79 to finish at +6 for the tournament. Gambini shot a 78 Friday to finish at +15 for his two days at Loveland and Donachie shot a final round 83 to finish at +19

Sophomore Andrew Brown (Wollongong, Australia) concludes his MCC career with rounds of 80 76 and 78 and finished at +18 for the tournament. Freshman Cole Graham (McCook) had rounds of 81, 82 and 81 to finish at +28

Eastern Wyoming claimed the team title with a three-round total of 29-under. North Idaho was second at 17-under. Central Wyoming and Otero tied for third place at +31. These four teams will advance to the 24-team field at NJCAA championship tournament May 13-16 at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kan.

“Me stepping into this position was easy because of the really special group of guys I had this year, and I’ll really miss the bond we had as a team,” said Case. “I know the sophomores leaving, and the freshmen coming back next year, will all continue to do great things.”

Up-to-date information about MCC golf including schedule, statistics, rosters, photos and more can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com 

 

TEAM RESULTS

WEST REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS

AT LOVELAND, COLO

1. Eastern Wyoming          - 29   

2. North Idaho                   - 17   

T3. Otero JC                     + 31   

T3. Central Wyoming         + 31   

5. Eastern Arizona             + 39   

6. McCook CC                  + 56     

7. Northeastern JC            + 70   

 

MCC INDIVIDUAL SCORES

Matt Grimonprez     + 6     71-72-79 – 222

Chance Gambini     + 15    81-72-78 – 231

Andrew Brown         + 18    80-76-78 – 234

Ross Donachie        + 19    79-73-83 – 235

Cole Graham          + 28    81-82-81 – 244