LAS VEGAS – Hanging tough against a talented field that included seven of the top-25 teams in the country, Stanford pocketed its best finish of the season Tuesday by placing third in the Southern Highlands Collegiate at Southern Highlands Golf Club.
The Cardinal closed with an even-par score of 288 to conclude at 10-under 854. Oklahoma won the event at 14-under 850, while Texas took second at 851.
"Nice finish against a very strong field," said Conrad Ray, the Knowles Family Director of Men's Golf. "We got off to a slow start but hung in there and had a chance to win with five or six holes left."
"Great ambassador for the game" (says @sscottpga ) and friend of ours! @cardcoachray @StanfordMGolf @GoStanford Southern Highlands Collegiate @SHCollegiate WATCH LIVE NOW @golfweek https://t.co/WnrhbF777f #collegegolf pic.twitter.com/9cuCLoONrD
— Live Streaming America (@LiveStreamingAm) March 5, 2019
Senior Brandon Wu and junior Henry Shimp collected top-10's for Stanford. Wu fired a 2-under-par 70 in the final round to secure third at 8-under 208, and Shimp shot 73 to garner a tie for ninth at 3-under 213.
It marked Wu's second consecutive top-3 showing. Last month, he matched his career-best finish by securing second at The Prestige Presented by Charles Schwab.
"Another close call for Brandon and a solid week for Henry," Ray said. "It was great to see both play well and lead us."
Henry Shimp @StanfordMGolf nice birdie to finish. Southern Highlands Collegiate @SHCollegiate WATCH LIVE NOW @golfweek https://t.co/WnrhbF777f #collegegolf pic.twitter.com/cupGGp9vDJ
— Live Streaming America (@LiveStreamingAm) March 5, 2019
Cole Hammer of Texas and Jack Trent of UNLV tied for medalist honors at 10-under 206. Trent won the title on the third playoff hole.
Cardinal senior Isaiah Salinda saved his best for last. He blitzed the back nine in 4-under 32 and posted a 70 to tie for 14th at 2-under 214, notching five birdies on the day. Salinda and Shimp birdied the par-5 18th hole.
Junior David Snyder (77) tied for 44th at 5-over 221 and sophomore Nate Menon (75) tied for 63rd at 11-over 227.
The Cardinal returns to competition on March 28-30 when it hosts the 50th edition of The Goodwin at Stanford Golf Course. Named after former head coach Wally Goodwin, who was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame last year, 26 teams will compete in the 54-hole event.