After the second round of play St Thomas junior golfer Estaban Aristizabal lead the field by 3 shots and looked as cool as the other side of the pillow as he tamed the Pete Dye beast that troubled so many golfers.  “The team has been bonding phenomenally in the past few months, its relaxes you knowing that people have your back” Aristizabal said.  “Everyone was loose having a good time so I did the same.”

Aristizabal went under par all three rounds, the only golfer to do so, winning by an astounding nine shots over an impressive field.  The victory means that Aristizabal will receive and automatic bid to play in the NAIA National Championships, which are being held at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. 

“Staring the tournament I felt pretty good but I hit the ball solid and the putts fell, I couldn't have asked for anything better” remarked the Sun Conference champ.  When asked what he learned about the course that other golfers didn't was patience.  “I took the course piece by piece and shot by shot.”

Aristizabal was in position last year to watch a teammate, Omar Tejeira, but this year he was able to claim top honors.  “ Obviously it was great that he won last year, it got me pumped knowing I could do it.”

Aristizbal lead the tournament or was second in numerous statistical catergories.  He was first in birdies made (14), first in par 4 scoring (-2) first in par 5 scoring (-7) and second in par 3 scoring (-2).  He dominated the field with out scoring a single eagle.

Although the STU men did not win as a team, their second place finish is admirable.  The most important fact was that they were able to finish above Johnson and Wales, which just about secures the opportunity to get an at-large bid to the NAIA National Championships.  


Final Round Results