The Fresno State men’s golf team won its first home tournament in over 20 years at the 2025 Nick Watney Invitational at Sunnyside Country Club.
This was the Bulldogs’ first home tournament win since 2002 and it came in dramatic fashion.
After day one, it became a two horse race with Fresno State and the University of San Diego tied at 15-under, with the next closest team being Santa Clara at 10-under.
After a final round 8-under, the Bulldogs found themselves tied with the Toreros at 23-under. To break the tie, both teams had all five players tee off on the par-5 18th hole, with the top four scores counting.
The Bulldogs finished 3-under, beat the Toreros by just one stroke and taking the title.
The Nick Watney Invitational, originally named the Fresno State Classic, was changed in 2014 to honor former Bulldog golfer, Nick Watney. Nick is all over the Bulldog record books, including the most wins in a season and the lowest scoring average, both from the 2002-03 season.
Fittingly, it was another Watney that led the way for the ‘Dogs in this year’s tournament.
Sophomore James Watney finished in a career-best second place at 9-under for the three round tournament. James is Nick’s cousin and is also the grandson of legendary Bulldog golf Coach Mike Watney. This was his second top-10 finish of the season.
James’ second place finish earned him Mountain West Golfer of the Week.
But James wasn’t the only Bulldog with a season best performance.
Senior Joseph Lloyd also had a season best, finishing in a tie for seventh place at 7-under. Lloyd had the team’s lowest round for the tournament with a second round 4-under.
Junior Jaden Hunter shot two rounds of 71 before finishing with a closing round 68, which brought him to 3-under tied for 14th, a career low finish.
Mason Benbrook competed as an individual but finished in 11th place at 4-under. Much like his teammates, this was Benbrook’s best finish of the season.
The ‘Dogs will look to build off of their victory when they play in The Lamkin, hosted by San Diego State, on March 10.