Vanderbilt Men’s Golf opened its season at the Carmel Cup in Pebble Beach, California. The Commodores fired a 17-under 1,063 team total to claim a three-shot victory over Oklahoma State at the famed Spyglass Hill Golf Course.
With veterans Gordon Sargent and Jackson Van Paris gone after last season, senior Wells Williams and sophomore Ryan Downes led the team’s charge during the opening round. Both carded a 3-under par 69 to pace the Commodores, and first-year Michael Riebe also shot 69 to build Vanderbilt’s lead. Fellow first-year Jon Ed Steed rounded out the Commodores’ Day 1 charge by carding a 2-under par 70. The Commodores had cruised to a first-day lead with a team score of 352.
“I’m proud of our guys and excited to see us get off to a strong start,” Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh said. “It’s really fun to see Michael [Riebe] and Jon Ed [Steed] step up in their first rounds at Vanderbilt. They have been waiting on this opportunity, and I know they were pumped.”
On Day 2, Riebe and Williams continued to propel the Commodores with stellar rounds of 66. Downes followed suit, staying in the red figures with a 4-under 68. Chase Nevins carded a 71 to give the Commodores a 13-stroke lead heading into the third day.
“We have a good opportunity tomorrow, and that’s exciting,” Limbaugh said after Day 1. “I want our guys to play with purpose and have some pride in how we compete. It’s important to stay on the offensive and carry ourselves strong.”
On the final day, Downes and Reibe led the Commodores with rounds of 71. Reibe and Downes’ strong play, characterized by three consecutive days in red figures, earned them third- and fourth-place individual finishes. Nevins finished the tournament with a 2-over 73, while Williams, Steed and Astiazaran each shot 75. Their combined effort produced a team score of 365 on Day 3, securing the Commodores’ first victory of the season at the Carmel Cup.
“Thrilled for our guys and proud of how [they] stayed strong to get the win,” Limbaugh said. “You cannot take winning for granted because it’s never easy. It certainly wasn’t easy today, but going through adversity always makes you better. You have to expect to get pushed by good teams and be willing to push back.”
The Commodores will be back in action from Sept. 15-16 as they travel to Ooltewah, Tennessee, to compete in The Invitational at the Honors Course.
