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Golfers Edged In State of Colorado Cup
August 30, 2009 | Men's Golf
HOLYOKE, Colo. - The University of Colorado men's golf team opened its 2009-10 season here Sunday in the inaugural State of Colorado Cup, but came up on the short end of a 6-4 score to Colorado State University in the Ryder Cup-style competition.
CSU took two of the three four-ball matches and four of the seven singles matches to eke out the win on the 7,140-yard, par-71 Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club course. The four-ball matches opened the competition, but the Buffs rallied to win the next three points and take a 4-2 lead. CSU rallied with two decisive wins, and with the match now tied at 4, it was in the hands of a redshirt freshman and a true frosh playing in their first college meet for the Buffs.
While neither won, both performed admirably. Jason Burstyn was one down to Ryan Peterson through 15, but lost 16; when they tied 17, he lost 2 and 1 and took a 5-4 lead.
The last match between CU freshman Derek Fribbs and CSU's best player, senior Riley Arp came down to the 18th hole to decide the meet. Arp maintained his one-hole edge to clinch the victory for the Rams. Arp was two up through 13, but Fribbs scored three straight birdies while Arp managed just one and things were all square going into No. 17. After both hit so-so second shots, Arp made a very difficult downhill, right to left putt that hit the back of the hole and fell in. That guaranteed CSU at least a half point and the Cup. Both went on to birdie 18.
"It was certainly tough to lose today," CU head coach Roy Edwards said. "The guys are very disappointed. However, CSU is one of the top teams in the country and we were basically two 'won' holes away from beating them. Our young guys did well. Derek didn't win either of his matches but played well overall. He has a great mindset for being an important part of our team this year. Sebastian (Heisele) won both of his matches and blew out a pretty good player in Zahkai Brown. And Michael (Imperato) stormed back from being two down through 11, to win his match 3 and 1.
"We learned a lot about our team," Edwards added. "The format was a showcase for each team's competitiveness and will serve us well leading into the season. Officially, this event was an exhibition but it never felt that way. Our young team grew up a bit today. Unfortunately, we had to do it with a loss.
"I would like to thank Rupert O'Neal, Matt Payne, and the entire Ballyneal staff for an outstanding weekend of play. We look forward to doing it again next year."
Colorado State 6, Colorado 4
Four-Ball Matches (CSU 2, CU 1)
Justin Bardgett/Sebastian Heisele (CU) def. Dustin Morris/Bryce Hanstad, 1 up
Riley Arp/Zahkai Brown (CSU) def. Derek Fribbs/Kevin Kring, 2 up
Sean McNamara/Ryan Peterson (CSU) def. Jason Burstyn/Josh Creel, 1 up
Singles Matches (CSU 4, CU 3)
Michael Imperato (CU) def. Kory Harrell, 3 and 1
Sebastian Heisele (CU) def. Zahkai Brown, 7 and 6
Josh Creel (CU) def. Sean McNamara, 3 and 2
Bryce Hanstad (CSU) def. Kevin Kring, 5 and 4
Dustin Morris (CSU) def. Justin Bardgett, 4 and 3
Ryan Peterson (CSU) def. Jason Burstyn, 2 and 1
Riley Arp (CSU) def. Derek Fribbs, 1 up
