Different course conditions and big numbers led to a 13th place finish for Alabama at the Cabo Collegiate in Mexico this week.
Despite being just seven shots back after their opening nine on Sunday, the Tide made 24 double bogies-or-worse in three rounds. In total, Alabama lost 62 shots to the field on these holes over the three-round tournament. If those mistakes could’ve been cut down to just bogies, the 38 shots saved would’ve been enough to move the Tide into solo fifth.
“We didn’t do a good job this week against a tough field,” head coach Jay Seawell said after the round.
“But this is desert golf which is different from what we are used to playing. We will learn from it and need to learn from it because this year’s NCAA Championships will be played on a desert course [Grayhawk in Scottsdale, Arizona].”
This year’s edition of the Cabo Collegiate featured a different venue – due to renovations at the Cove Club at Cabo del Sol – with the 2023 edition being played at the Fred Couples designed Twin Dolphin Club.
Nick Dunlap led Alabama, finishing T15 (+2) for the week. Despite opening with a 76, the freshman fired rounds of 69 and 70 in response. Dunlap made 15 birdies throughout the week, tied for seventh most by any player in the field.
Senior Canon Claycomb finished T48 (+10) in Mexico. He opened with a strong round of 71 and found himself inside the top-ten after the first 18, but fell back after rounds of 78-74 to close the tournament.
Junior JP Cave was solo 57th after 54-holes, opening and closing with rounds of 78, but firing a one-under 71 on Monday.
Senior Thomas Ponder and Sophomore Jones Free finished in 71st (+22) and T63 (+18) respectively.
Next on the Tee
Alabama will travel to Greensboro, Ga. to compete in the Linger Longer Invitational from March 19-21.
Follow Nicholas Pursley on Twitter @nicholaspursley for 24/7 coverage of Alabama men’s golf.
