Sept. 24, 2007
The University of New Mexico men’s golf junior varsity squad traveled to Ruidoso, N.M., for the High Country Shootout, winning the event with a 54-hole total of 814 (271-268-275, -50). Junior Jon Sauer torched the 6,793 yard, par-72 Links at Sierra Blanca for a total of 199 (66-63-70, -17). Sophomore Kyle Nielsen was four strokes back in second place with a 13-under total of 203 (68-67-68).
Sauer’s total of 199 would tie for the second lowest 54-hole total in school history if this had been a varsity event. His 63 in the second round would also tie for the second lowest 18-hole mark in the Lobo record books. UNM’s team total of 814 would also shatter it’s 54-hole record by 16 strokes if this was a varsity field.
Regardless, all five Lobos in the event played the course under par, an outstanding accomplishment by the second squad. Junior Dan Saltz posted a 205 (69-67-69, -11) while junior Parker Pemberton finished with a 208 (69-71-68, -8). Freshman Andrew Patapaksiri also had a strong outing with a 4-under 212 (68-71-73).
New Mexico cleared second place Odessa College by 11 strokes (274-269-282=825, -39). Midland College was third with a total of 858 (282-284-290, -6) while the New Mexico Junior College was fifth with a 870 (290-286-294, +6). The Lobos don’t have another JV event until they compete in Western New Mexico’s Mustang Invitational at the UNM Championship Course in March.