Results
COTO DE CAZA, Calif. - Kolbe Irei claimed the individual title, while the UC Irvine men's golf team finished second at the Orange County Collegiate Classic Tuesday at Coto de Caza South Course.
Irei, who finished three strokes ahead of the field at even-par 216, is the Anteaters' first individual champion since David Kim won the Cal Poly Shootout in 2017.
Tournament co-hosts UCI and Cal State Fullerton entered the final round in a tie for first, but it was the Titans who pulled away for the victory. CSF combined for a 5-count-4 team score of 881 (298-290-293), coming in five strokes ahead of the 'Eaters at 886 (304-284-298).
Irei fired a 216 (E) to earn his first collegiate victory. He was able to maintain his lead after an impressive performance on Monday, finishing with rounds of 75, 68 and 73.
Darien Zhao challenged Irei for the individual title throughout the final round before tying for second at 3-over 219 (76-68-75). It was his best collegiate finish. Zhao and Irei tied for the team lead with 13 birdies overall.
Nathan Irwin had his best round of the tournament on Tuesday, carding a 77. He moved up two spots to tie for 21st at 226 (75-77-74).
Henry Fitzhugh also tied for 23rd with a 54-hole total of 227 (78-73-76), while
Ethan Han rounded out UC Irvine's lineup in a tie for 39th (234).
The Anteaters had three individuals in the mix as well, led by
Johnny Bai who tied for 25th at 228 (77-73-78).
Trueman Park tied for 39th (234) and
Matt Gunson tied for 53rd (243).
The 'Eaters are back in action next week, traveling to Lihue, Kaua'i, for the John A. Burns Intercollegiate, Feb. 17-19.