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2004 Championship Summary
Kyle Tyson and Drew Guaraldo shoot a net score 64
to win by two strokes at Badlands Golf Course in Las Vegas, NV
Complete Results and Scores
Photos of the 2004 Finals
Photos of the 2004 Pairings Party
Las Vegas, NV - Despite snow flurries and extremely windy conditions, Penn State golfers Kyle Tyson and Drew Guaraldo shot an eight under, 64, to win the 2004 National Collegiate Golf Championship (NCGC) at Badlands Golf Course. The two-person scramble event, sponsored by the Collegiate Golf Alliance (CGA) showcased over 25 teams representing 17 different colleges and universities.
For Kyle Tyson, the cold weather was a stroke of luck, �We really didn't know what the competition level was going to be like. We did know that there were going to be some teams that could post good numbers, but in the end we thought we had some advantages in regards to the cold weather. We play in the cold all of the time at State College (Penn State) and we had a good idea how to manage the course.�
Course management was their ticket to success as they started the day with a birdie and an eagle on their fourth hole. The pair played consistently, following what Guaraldo thought was a solid scramble attack. �There was no secret to our success,� explained Guaraldo, �Over 90% of the time we played it safe. Once our first ball was in play and in a good position, the other person was allowed to be more aggressive.� Their eagle on hole #11 may have been the difference as they ultimately pulled away from the rest of the field by two strokes.
Faculty/Staff Champs David Becket and Kerry Geroux
Alumni/Community Champs Doo Sik Jung & Byung Huan Chun
As the 2004 Champions, Tyson and Guaraldo received a pair of round trip tickets from Southwest Airlines and a full return package to Las Vegas and an automatic berth to the 2005 Championships to defend their title. In addition, the team all received a 4-day/3-night golf package to Kapalua Villas, home of the Mercedes Championship, in Maui, Hawaii.
Tyson and Guraraldo are already looking forward to defend their championship for the Nitnay Lions. �The tournament was well-run and well-organized.� Tyson said while holding back a smile. �Everything went smooth and I couldn't have had a better time�I can't wait for next year!�
An interesting side note: Kyle and Drew almost were denied an opportunity to play in this year's championship. Since their school chose not to host a local qualifying event, they decided to make the drive to the University of West Virginia and play there. At the West Virginia tournament, played at Lakeview Country Club, the two-some placed 2nd and earned a berth to Las Vegas. �We were just lucky to get in.� quipped Guaraldo The rest of the NCGC participants would argue otherwise.
After qualifying through local qualifying tournaments, participants at the NCGC competed in teams of two and played in one of three divisions. The divisions included: Student, Staff/Faculty and Alumni/Community. The winners of the Staff/Faculty division were David Becket and Kerry Geroux from the University of Southern Mississippi shooting a net score 73. Doo Sik Jung and Byung Huan Chun of Cal State San Bernardino won the Alumni/Community Division with a net score of 66.
Net Score
1 Penn St
Kyle Tyson & Drew Guaraldo
2. CSUSB
Doo Sik Jung & Byung Huan Chun
Ed Escarcega & Mike Volger
2. Miami of Ohio
Chris Manhart & JonathanBurns
3. University of Texas � Austin
Tylar Lunke & Travis Lauritsen
Facility/ Staff Division
1. University of Southern Mississippi
David Becket & Kerry Geroux
2. UNLV
Tom Piechota & Glenn Tootle
Mick Deluca & Rich Mylin
Alumni/Community Division
Robert Pinson & Pat Ryan
A number of contests were also held within the NCGC that allowed golfers to challenge themselves and their opponents for not only the national title but for other smaller victories as well. In short: the Longest Drive on hole #9 was won by Adam Radich of the University of Miami; and the Long Drive on hole #11 was secured by Tylar Lunke from the University of Texas-Austin; Closest to the Pin on hole #5 was Clint Brotherton from Illinois State University and on hole #8 by Drew Guaraldo from Penn State. Matt Baker from University of Nebraska Medical Center and Dominec Hersman from Miami of Ohio took the closest to the pins on holes #14 and #16, respectively. Five participants qualified for a chance to putt for $5,000 cash, but like most Vegas visitors, all five fell short.
In addition to the many contests at the NCGC, sponsors added excitement with prizes and packages for participants and winners. Selected airline travel was provided by Southwest Airlines, who also donated prizes given out at the course. Kapalua Villas provided the exclusive championship package. Cutter & Buck outfitted the tournament with golf shirts and Almost Golf Ball was the official campus practice ball of the NCGC. Signage was provided by American Hole-in-One and American Golf included foursomes of golf, 2-for-1 coupons, and range cards. Other sponsors included: Warrior Custom Golf, Palace Station Resorts, Sports Illustrated On Campus and Red Bull.
CP and Long Drive Winners
$5000 CashPutting Finalest
Red Bull was one of the newest sponsors for the NCGC this year. Their presence at Nationals was impressive both on and off the course as they hosted the annual Pairings Party at the House of Blues V.I.P. Room inside the luxurious Madalay Bay Resort and Casino. While at the pairings party, participants were introduced and drew for their choice of starting holes for the championship shotgun tournament. There was also a $5,000 putting challenge, a casino bucket of cash chipping contest, and enough Red Bull for everyone.
The tournament was organized and facilitated by the Collegiate Golf Alliance (CGA). This year, the CGA was made up of over 800 golfers representing 90 different colleges and universities. Proceeds from the tournament benefited the NIRSA Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides opportunities for students through professional development, research, scholarships, and educational resources.
Greg Long, CGA Director of Business Operations & Paul Cantrell, LQ Director, Fairfield University present the CGA check to Sid Gonsoulin, NIRSA Past President
�I am very happy with the growth and success of the NCGC,� stated CGA's President and CEO Mike Munson. �No other event brings together students, faculty, and alumni to compete for their university.�
The CGA currently serves as the premier on-line golf events and registration company for over 1,400 colleges and universities across the United States. For more information, email info@cgagolflinks.com or visit www.cgagolflinks.com