The CU golf team finished where they started in the final round of the Simpson Invitational.
CU golf slipped down to seventh place earlier in the tournament and could not climb back up during Tuesday’s third and final round.
Despite a season best score of 286, a 12-stroke deficit behind No. 16 New Mexico proved too steep to make up.
The Lobos hung on with clutch strokes from seniors Travis Ross and Sam Chavez.
CU senior Luke Symons headed the efforts for the Buffs with a team-low score of 214 for the tournament. Alongside him, junior Kevin Kring shot a 68 in the final round, which tied for the round’s lowest score.
“I was putting absolutely lights out,” Kring said. “I told coach yesterday afternoon that I felt I could make every putt out there. I was very confident all day and very aggressive and I am pretty sure I didn’t miss a putt inside 18 feet; it was a big circle for me today.”
The Buffs’ tournament total of 874 came up 15 strokes behind New Mexico. The eventual champs barely held off CSU, who rallied in the final round to finish a single stroke behind first place.
CU head coach Roy Edwards later said his team showed some promise, even if they didn’t get the job done.
“Overall, from a team standpoint, we were disappointed with our performance,” Edwards said. “We obviously wanted to win this inaugural event. However, there was definitely marked improvement today, a few more good things for us than yesterday afternoon.”
The Buffs have no time for vacation as they head for Albuquerque, N.M. on Wednesday.
Contact Staff Writer Michael Krumholtz at Michael.krumholtz@colorado.edu.
