University of Colorado Men’s Golf Team Prepares for “The Prestige” at PGA West

La Quinta, California – The University of Colorado men’s golf team is gearing up for the spring season, set to kick off on Monday at the 26th annual The Prestige, taking place at the renowned PGA West. Founded in 2000 by the late coach Mark Simpson, this prestigious tournament emphasizes participation from top academic programs, and this marks the Buffaloes’ 13th appearance.

Tournament Overview

This three-day, 54-hole competition will feature 19 of the country’s top 102 teams, including nine ranked in the top 50. The event will take place on the 7,185-yard, par-71 Greg Norman Course at PGA West, known for its challenging layout set 40 feet below sea level, making it the lowest course the Buffaloes will tackle this season.

Practice Rounds: The Buffaloes arrived early for extra practice, having concluded their fall season in late October. Official practice is scheduled for Sunday, setting the stage for a competitive start to spring.

Buffaloes’ Line-Up and Performance

Currently ranked 42nd nationally, the Buffaloes will field a strong line-up, including:

• Parker Paxton (Sophomore, No. 1)
• Hunter Swanson (Senior)
• Brandon Knight (Junior)
• Ty Holbrook (Junior)
• Jackson Rivera (Graduate Transfer)

Additionally, sophomore Michael Fang will compete individually in the Prestige Individual event at The Golf Club at Terra Lago.

The Buffaloes have shown remarkable performance, setting a record for the lowest fall season stroke average at 70.39, surpassing previous benchmarks. Four players—Paxton, Swanson, Knight, and Holbrook—boast some of the best averages in the program’s history.

Coach’s Insights

Head coach Roy Edwards expressed optimism for the upcoming tournament, stating, “We have a motivated, competitive group that put in great effort during the offseason. When we combine smart decision-making with a confident mindset, we play our best golf.”

The initial objective is to refine ball-striking and iron play to excel on the PGA West Norman Course, which is known for putting a premium on these skills.

Previous Performance and Tournament History

Last year, the Buffaloes finished fifth at the same tournament with a team score of 7-under par (845). They produced two even-par rounds followed by a remarkable final round of 7-under (277), marking one of their most impressive performances. Notably, the Buffaloes’ best finish in The Prestige was a second-place effort in 2001.

Competitive Field

The field includes several ranked teams such as co-hosts No. 179 UC Davis and No. 26 Stanford, as well as five teams from the Big 12 including No. 9 Texas Tech. The caliber of players is high, with 14 of the nation’s top 100 golfers participating. Paxton stands as the highest-rated Buffalo at 151st.

Future Competitions

After The Prestige, the Buffaloes will head directly to Wyoming’s Desert Intercollegiate scheduled for February 23-25 at Classic Club in Palm Desert, remaining in Southern California to maintain their competitive edge.

CU Alumni on Professional Tours

Several University of Colorado graduates are making waves on professional circuits. Notably, Justin Biwer has excelled on the Asher Tour with multiple top-10 finishes, including a runner-up spot in the Central Coast Championship. Fellow alums Dylan McDermott and Tucker Clark are also actively competing with varying degrees of success.

Jeremy Paul (’17), currently on the Korn Ferry Tour, had a standout round of 62 last week. Yannik Paul (’18) is competing in international tournaments on the DP and Hotel Planner tours.

For more information on the University of Colorado’s men’s golf program and their upcoming events, visit the CU Buffs men’s golf page.

Stay tuned for updates as the Buffaloes embark on their spring campaign, aiming to build on past successes and make a significant mark in collegiate golf.