Lobos Win the 2023 William H. Tucker Intercollegiate
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team captured its first victory of the Jake Harrington era by winning the William H. Tucker Intercollegiate. The Lobos used a strong final round on Tuesday at the UNM Championship Course to win its home tournament for the 15th time, and first time since 2019.
On Tuesday, the Lobos shot 13-under, the low round of the day, to erase a two-shot deficit at the start of the day and climb past Texas Tech to win the tournament. New Mexico finished the event at 29-under, three shots ahead of the Red Raiders (26-under). San Diego State (14-under), San Francisco (12-under) and UNLV (11-under) rounded out the top five of the 20-team field.
“It is always great to get that first victory,” said Harrington, who won his first title at UNM in the third event of his first season as head coach. “It is incredible to be the coach at New Mexico. Coaching these young men is a privilege. From the day I stepped foot on campus, they have bought in to what I have been teaching them. I haven’t changed much, just focusing on using their strengths and keep building their confidence. Those are the things paid off today.”
Three Lobos finished in the top 10 of the individual leaderboard to lift the Lobos to the win. Albert Boneta and Bastien Amat tied for fourth place at 9-under overall. Amat shot a final round 68 and Boneta posted a 70 during Tuesday’s round. The low Lobo on Tuesday was Matthew Watkins, who carded a 5-under 67 to finish T-7th at 8-under. Watkins has now shot par or better in all nine rounds of the season. Carson Herron had a 2-under 70 on Tuesday to finish the event at 1-under and Connor Adams rounded out the lineup with a 76 in the final round.
“Having three guys finish in the top seven is impressive,” said Harrington. “The guys played great coming down the stretch. The key was our first five holes of the day. To get through the toughest stretch of the golf course at even par, we took the lead there and put us in position to win. We had to get off to a good start because Texas Tech is such a good team. We made some big shots with some key birdies and eagles later in the day to stay ahead of them and get the win.”
The Lobos return to action Oct. 9-10 when they close out the fall portion of the schedule with the Alister MacKenzie Invitational, hosted by California.