2024 NCAA DII West/South Central Regionals (First Round)

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Junior Giulio Zanichelli opened up his first career NCAA Division II West/South Central Regionals appearance with a solid first round, shooting a 3-under-par 68 to put himself tied for fourth place out of 108 total competitors. 

"This was a great start to the tournament," said Head Coach Joe Dolby. "We came in with a solid game plan, and Giulio is as well prepared for the challenge as any player I have coached. Today was the result of that preparation and we had great teamwork on every shot. Giulio was confident and committed, and then executed every shot with absolute precision."

Zanichelli, competing in the tournament as an individual for Academy of Art men's golf, shot strong consistently through the first day's end. The Parma, Italy native shot five total birdies within his first play through, with three of those coming in the back nine. 

Tied with two others at his fourth place standing, the trio are three strokes behind the individual leader in Joey Geary of Western New Mexico, who leads the field with his 6-under-par 65. 

"We still have two rounds to go and a challenging afternoon tee time tomorrow, so there's more work to do," Dolby said. "Our goal is to win and qualify for Nationals, and this a great step towards that goal."

Zanichelli will run it back again tomorrow for the second round of action at University Golf Course.