By: Garrett Osterode/GCU Staff
The Grand Canyon University Club Golf team kicked off their season this past weekend with a come-from-behind win at the National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA) Desert Region Tournament at the Legend at Arrowhead in Glendale. After trailing through the first 18 holes, the Lopes ‘A’ team battled back to secure the victory with a total score of 774 (+54). Logan Hardy led the way for the Lopes with final 36-hole score of 151 (+7).
After finishing seventh last season at the national championships, and entering this season as the No. 2 team in the NCCGA Preseason Poll, the Lopes had high hopes heading into their first competitive environment of the year.
“We wanted to get off to a better start, but coming from behind is always a good sign,” said Lopes Head Coach John Wasson. “I was impressed with how little panic we showed. We came out the second day and performed like we are capable.”
The Lopes sat one stroke behind Arizona State University’s ‘B’ team after the first 18 holes of play, but with a team full of experienced competitors, Wasson and Company didn’t flinch.
“We’ve been in this position more times than I can count,” said Wasson. “When you are playing from behind, there is no pressure, and it allows the guys to go out and play stress-free golf.”
Hardy shined above the rest on Day 2, posting a career-best one-under-par 71 on Sunday. Hardy’s performance came together thanks to three birdies and just two bogeys.
“Logan swung it really well the first day, but was having trouble scoring,” said Wasson. “It was great to see him come back the second day with a strong mental performance that led to a great scoring round.”
Hardy finished just two shots back of Arizona State’s Varuin Chandrasekar, who captured the individual region title with a two-day score of 149 (+5).
Final Team Leaderboard-
| Rank | Team | To Par | Total Score |
| 1 | Grand Canyon (A) | +54 | 774 |
| 2 | Arizona State (B) | +58 | 778 |
| 3 | Arizona State (A) | +95 | 815 |
| 4 | Arizona (A) | +102 | 822 |
| 5 | Grand Canyon (C) | +109 | 829 |
| 6 | Grand Canyon (B) | +121 | 841 |
| 7 | Arizona State (C) | +159 | 879 |
| 8 | Arizona (B) | +165 | 885 |
| 9 | Grand Canyon (D) | +204 | 924 |
The Lopes are back in action for their second regional tournament on Oct. 19 and 20 when they travel to Casino del Sol Resort in Tucson. Follow along on clubsports.gcu.edu for all of the latest news on everything GCU Club Golf.
Interested in joining GCU Club Golf? Contact the coach for the club golf team to learn more!
