Bay Area Invitational (Final Round)

PLEASANTON, Calif. – It did not take long for Academy of Art men's golf junior Matthew Watkins to take home his first top-20 finish in the Spring 2022 season, as he led the way for ART U while at the Bay Area Invitational from The Club at Ruby Hill, finishing in a tie for 20th place with a final score of 7-over-par 223. 

The only upperclassman on the squad led by example on the tournament's final day, turning in a final round of 6-over-par 78. Starting on the back nine, Watkins had a bit of a slow start but would find his footing as he made the turn, finishing his round with a pair of birdies that both came on the front nine while also totaling 10 pars. Along with him was freshman Jack DeBenedetti, who ended in 79th place at 44-over-par 260, who also had a birdie on the day.

Cal State San Marcos ran away from the field in this tournament, capturing the team title with a combined score of even-par 864 while also boasting the top two individual finishers in runner-up Matthew Moss (3-under-par 213) and individual champion Matt Pennington (8-under-par 208). Pennington carded back-to-back 67's in the first two rounds before closing round three with a 74. 

ART U will wait a short time before returning to the links, as the Urban Knights will participate in the NNU Poppy Ridge Invitational beginning on Mar. 7.