Bryan Cole / Collegian File Photo

Doverspike captures Player of the Year honors at WAC Tournament in Nevada, Bulldogs take second as team

Rio Secco Golf Club in beautiful Henderson, Nev. was the site of this year̢۪s Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Men̢۪s Golf Tournament.

The tournament began on Monday and continued through Wednesday. After play on Wednesday, the winner of this years men̢۪s golf WAC Tournament was decided.

It was the New Mexico State men̢۪s golf team that left Henderson with a first place trophy. New Mexico State as a team shot 870 for the tournament. Just one stroke back from the Aggies were the Fresno State Bulldogs, coming in a close second shooting, 871.

“I am proud of the guys,â€Â head coach Mike Watney said in a press release. “It was a very exciting finish, back and forth the whole day. We hoped that [New Mexico State] wouldn’t have continued to play as well as they did but they never let up and we just couldn’t get over that hump.â€Â

On Monday, coach Watney explained that the team teed off an hour and a half later than New Mexico State. That gave the Bulldogs a challenge, because they faced more wind.

“Everyone’s scores were so much higher today because of the wind,â€Â said Watney on Monday. “I am pleased with our scores and that the guys hung in there with these conditions.â€Â

Individually, the lowest scorer of the tournament was New Mexico State junior Travis Reid. He ended the tournament with a score of 209, which was seven-under-par.

“It was down to the last putt. I have to give kudos to New Mexico State,â€Â Watney said. “They fought hard, especially Travis Reid, he pretty much carried that team through the championship.â€Â

Next to Reid in the individual standings was Fresno State junior Grant Doverspike who finished with a 212, four-under-par.

Bhavik Patel, who is only a freshman, finished the tournament in a three way tie for 9th with two Utah State players, Devin Daniels and Tyler Labrum. All three of them shot a 220, four-over par.

Patel and Doverspike were the only two Bulldogs to finish the tournament in the Top 10.

Bryan Hogan finished in a four-way tie for 12th with a 221, Michael Gideon ended up in a three-way tie for 17th shooting 223 and Todd Angel left the tournament in a three-way tie for 22nd with a 227.

Doverspike played exceptionally well in the tournament, owning the green in par four scoring, with an average of 3.90.

Doverspike led the tournament in birdies as well, making 16 total.

This is the third time that Doverspike has finished top five in the WAC Tournament.

Although Doverspike finished in second, he did not leave empty-handed.

Doverspike was awarded the Player of the Year honors by the WAC. Doverspike is the first Bulldog since Nick Watney in 2003 to win this award.

Also for the third consecutive year in a row, the junior has a place on the First Team All-WAC.

“The coaches had so much respect for Grant’s consistency throughout the year, and that’s why he was a unanimous vote for Player of the Year,â€Â Watney said.

Grant now has three WAC finishes in the Top 5 in three years playing at the collegiate level. He also now has a WAC Player of the Year award as well.