The final day of the ASU Thunderbird Invitational in Temple, Arizona ended on Sunday March 19, 2017 and the Iowa State’s Men’s golf team ended in sixth place 847 (277-282-288).

The Cyclones rallied one spot after the third and final round of competition on Sunday. With their score of 847 over the two-day span, the Cyclones were one stroke from Nevada 846 (283-275-288) and Washington 846 (283-278-285) that tied for fourth place.

As defending champions from the 2015-16 season, the Cyclone felt that they did not defend their title to expectations. Arizona State won scoring 811 (266-265-280).

Colling Moikawa of California won the tournament scoring 200 (65-66-69).

“[I’m] pretty disappointed in the overall tournament, we didn’t feel we played very well,” said head coach Andrew Tank.

The Cyclones had arrived in Arizona on Monday of March 13th, and felt confident in their preparation.

“Yeah, I think we were pretty darted, we came in here with good preparation and game plan, and weren’t able to execute”, said senior Nick Voke.

Voke ended the tournament tied for 12th spot scoring 209 (68-69-72), he has carded a sub-70 round in eight of his last 11 rounds.

Along with him was fellow senior Ruben Sondjaja who ended in 11th spot scoring 208 (68-69-71).

“I think obviously, our team didn’t do as well. We were defending champions and it is difficult [ to lose],” said Sondjaja.

Freshman Sam Vincent was the third highest player in the individual board, tying for 37th spot, adding another top 50 finish in his early career. He scored 214 (70-71-73).

“I don’t think I had my best golf this week” said Vincent.

Redshirt junior Denzel Ieremia tied for 44th after scoring 216 (71-73-72) over the two days.

And fellow freshman, and Iowa Native Tripp Kinney was the only Cyclone not within the top 50 individuals scoring 226 (78-73-75).

The Cyclones came directly from the General Hackler Championship, where they placed in 11th spot after only two rounds on March 12th The third round was cut short due to the unexpected weather in Myrtle Beach, SC.

The Cyclone’s team will have two weeks before their next competition in Seattle, Washington when they will be competing in the Seattle Redhawk Invitational on April 3rd-4th 2017.

In that time, Tank, along with the rest of the players will discuss and reset for their final stretch of the fall season.

“I think it will be a good time to reflect on the last week or so, and see where we need to go. These last few events we have underperformed” said Tank.

Tank mentioned the possibility of team along with private individual meetings one on one with the Cyclones starters.

“We all know what we need to do, and those individual meetings will validate that” said Voke.

Ieremia also agrees highly on taking a step back to review this season.

“We will all definitely reflect over the last couple of weeks, reflect on the strengths and weaknesses [individually and team wise]” said Ieremia.

The Cyclones for now will try to move forward with this week coming back to classes and normal practice.

“ We will funnel this into some positive energy and motivation” said Voke.