BILLINGS, Mont. – Momentum stalled for the Montana State University Billings men's golf team after a Day 1 match play win in the 2017 Mike Grob Cup, as Rocky Mountain College rallied to win the final two days of the event and claim the cup over the weekend.
"Our men played well, but we had a hard time getting some of our birdie putts to fall," said MSUB head coach
Kevin Woodin. "Losing all three on Day 2 at Yegen was tough for us, but we came back and competed hard on Sunday. Congratulations to Rocky as they out-played us, but I really like where our young men's team is headed."
The MSUB men took a 2-1 win on Day 1 at Lake Hills Golf Club, where the 'Jackets prevailed in an 18-hole, alternate shot event.
Scott Larson and
Caleb Trost teamed up for one of MSUB's points, while
Jayd Dion and
Garrett Woodin also won their matchup on the opening day of play.
The Bears set the tone with a clean sweep on Day 2 however, rallying past
Caleb Stetzner chips towards the
green during the 2017 Mike Grob Cup.
MSUB in the 18-hole four-ball match play to claim all three points. Saturday's portion of the event was held at Peter Yegen Golf Club.
In the finale on Sunday at Lake Hills, the Bears edged the 'Jackets 3.5-2.5 in 18-hole singles matches to reclaim the cup after MSUB's win at the event last season. Larson and Woodin had wins for MSUB during singles play on Sunday, and Dion earned a half-point with an even finish. Woodin drilled a 160-yard shot to three feet on his final hole of the day, and converted the birdie putt to win his pairing 1 Up.
"It was nice to see Scott post the win in singles play, and Jayd won the final hole to earn us a half point," Woodin commented. "This was the first time the cup went to a 3-day format, and it was very successful," said Woodin. "It was a great event, and overall our team improved throughout the fall season. We are looking forward to our spring 2018 schedule."
The Grob Cup is named after Billings golf legend Mike Grob, and 2017 marked the second season it was contested under its current moniker. The Yellowjacket men concluded their fall season with the event, and will next be in action on Feb. 26-27, 2018 at the Bay Area Invitational in Livermore, Calif.
For the complete results from the 2017 Mike Grob Cup,
click here.
