The University of Colorado men’s golf team will travel to Phoenix later this week to compete in the 53rd annual Thunderbird Collegiate, according to an April 7 announcement. The event, hosted by Arizona State University at Papago Golf Course, is scheduled for Friday and Saturday and serves as the Buffaloes’ final competition before the Big 12 Conference championship later this month.
The tournament is significant as it provides a last opportunity for teams to fine-tune their play ahead of conference championships. The field consists of nine teams, with seven ranked among the top 50 nationally. Host Arizona State leads as the No. 9 team and is also the three-time defending champion. Other participating schools include No. 21 New Mexico, No. 28 Long Beach State, No. 31 UCLA, No. 32 Utah, No. 43 Colorado Buffaloes, No. 47 San Diego, No. 61 Oregon State and No. 92 Grand Canyon.
“It’s always great to get to Phoenix and compete in Arizona,” CU head coach Roy Edwards said. “The Thunderbird has an amazing history in college golf and ASU and Papago does such an incredible job hosting. Despite being a smaller field, it is always one of the best fields in college golf and will be good preparation for the Big 12 Championship at the end of the month.” Last year at this event, Arizona State won with a team score of 42-under par while Colorado finished second at 27-under.
Colorado’s lineup includes senior Hunter Swanson; juniors Ty Holbrook—who led last year with a score that tied him for ninth—Brandon Knight; sophomore Parker Paxton; graduate transfer Jackson Rivera; and freshman Tyler Long competing individually.
Play begins Friday morning with Colorado paired alongside Oregon State on hole ten starting at nine o’clock Mountain Daylight Time in twelve-minute intervals between foursomes.
Looking ahead, Colorado will participate in the Big 12 Championships from April 27-29 at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson.
