GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The Montana State University Billings men's golf team finished out their regular season before they head to Coeur d'Alene for the GNAC Tournament on April 21
st. The Yellowjackets rounded out their final regular season tournament of the year at the RJGA Palm Valley Classic in Goodyear, Arizona earlier this afternoon.
The 7,015-yard, par-72 Palm Valley Golf Club hosted 19 total teams and 104 total players. In 54 holes, the Yellowjackets averaged 3.55 strokes on par threes, 4.28 strokes on par fours, and an impressive 4.85 strokes on par fives. MSUB also had a team total of 147 pars, 37 birdies, and one eagle.
HEAR FROM COACH BUIE: "It was a good bounce back day today, breaking 300 with a 298 in the final round was awesome to see. This was one of the best tournaments in DII and a great experience for the three freshman going forward. This is the first time we have walked 36 holes in a day this spring and it wore on us a little bit. These guys are learning and getting better each time we go out and Quinn and Hayato set good examples in their last regular season tournaments of their collegiate careers. Pete and Hayato were especially steady for all three rounds this week. We have about a week and a half to prepare for a good finish at the awesome lake Coeur d'Alene Resort."
Amongst a field of 16 ranked team inside the top 100 and three inside the top 25, the Yellowjackets posted a three-round score of 904. MSUB opened the tournament with a respectable 300 in the opening round, followed by a 306 in round two, and closed it out with their best round of the tournament with a 298 in their final 18 holes.
Leading the way for the Yellowjackets was true freshman
Pete Netrnilweerachot who tied for 72
nd place. The Chon Buri, Thailand native had a 54-hole personal best score of 221 (73-73-75) while shooting his single round record of 73 in back-to-back rounds. Following close behind was senior
Hayato Ito at 224 (75-76-73) and tied for 82
nd, and
Ryan Badger at 227 (72-80-75) and tied for 87
th place. Rounding out the five 'Jackets was
Quinn Haigwood who tied for 90
th with a three-round score of 233 (81-77-75), and
Kaopun Akmaneenin in 104
th with a 54-hole score of 241 (80-81-80).
THE BUZZ: Ryan Badger was named Intermountain Health Player of the Day for day one after shooting an opening round 72 and
Hayato Ito was named Intermountain Health Player of the Day for day two after shooting a 73 in the final round.
UP NEXT: The Montana State University Billings Yellowjacket men's golf team will head to Coeur d'Alene, ID for the GNAC Championships at Coeur d'Alene Resort that will take place on April 21-22.
RJGA Palm Valley Classic
Results – April 8, 2025
Palm Valley Golf Club – Goodyear, Arizona
Team – 1. Midwestern State, 832 (276-284-272); 2. MSU Billings, 904 (300-306-298).
Individuals – 1. Cole Beyer, Colorado Mesa 201 (70-65-66); T72.
Pete Netrnilweerachot, MSU Billings 221 (73-73-75); T82.
Hayato Ito, MSU Billings 224 (75-76-73); T87.
Ryan Badger, MSU Billings 227 (72-80-75); T98.
Quinn Haigwood, MSU Billings 233 (81-77-75); 104.
Kaopun Akmaneenin, MSU Billings 241 (80-81-80).
