June 22, 2009
Albuquerque, NM – The University of New Mexico men’s golfers may no longer be in season, but it hasn’t been a quit summer for the Lobos. New Mexico’s golfers, both current and future, have been busy playing in tournaments around the country.
Nick Geyer, James Erkenbeck and Travis Ross have all qualified for the United States Golf Association’s US Amateur Public Links tournament. Geyer medaled at the USGA Public Links qualifier held at Albuquerque’s Arroyo Del Oso golf course June 15-16, carding a 7-under-par 139 for the 36-hole event. Erkenbeck shot a 146 to finish third at the qualifier at the Carlton Oaks Country Club in Santee, Calif. Ross shot a 142 at the US Am Qualifier at the Elmwood Golf Course in Sioux Falls, SD to qualify.
The trio of Lobos has qualified to play in the US Am Public Links National Championship at the Jimmy Austin/University of Oklahoma Golf Course in Norman, Okla. July 13-18. The winner of the National Championship earns an exemption for the 2010 Masters.
“I am thrilled to being going to the National Championship,” said Geyer. “I hope a few of these birdies follow me there.”
Also at work, Tom Carlson, Ryan Smith and incoming freshman John Caitlin took part in the Southwestern Amateur, held at the Tucson National Golf Club in Tucson, Ariz. Smith made it though the first three rounds, carding 7-over 223 before bowing out after the third round and finishing in 52nd place. Carlson shot an opening round 4-under 68 before eventually finishing tied for 20th place with a 72-hole total of 1-under 287. Caitlin, who has signed his letter of intent and will begin attending New Mexico this fall, posted a 6-under 282 to finish tied for fifth.