AmateurGolf.com
AmateurGolf.com

Loading...

Arizona wins wild shootout at Tucson Country Club
January 27, 2022 | by Jim Young of AmateurGolf.com

see also: Christian Banke, View results for Arizona Thunderbirds Intercollegiate, Tucson Country Club

Article Image

Christian Banke's 3-foot par putt on 18 clinches individual and team titles for the Wildcats at the Arizona Intercollegiate

The O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Ariz., a little more than an hour southeast of Tucson, just might have some competition for the most infamous shootout in the southwest after what transpired over the last three days at the Arizona Intercollegiate.

In a tournament where Arizona, New Mexico and Arkansas combined to shoot 98 under par over three days at Tucson Country Club, it took a three-foot par putt by senior Christian Banke on the final hole to deliver the team and individual title for the host Wildcats.

At 35-under par 829 (274-278-277), the Wildcats nipped New Mexico by a single stroke for the team title while ninth-ranked Arkansas finished six shots off the pace at 29-under par. BYU was a distant fourth at 12-under 852 followed by Loyola Marymount at 10-under 854.

Banke carded rounds of 67-69-66 to finish at 14-under 202 for the event, earning his first collegiate win in what was his 42nd career start by one stroke over New Mexico's Sam Choi, winner of the Maridoe Amateur in July. His winning putt on the 18th gave the Wildcats their fifth consecutive victory at their own event.

The Wildcats final score of 35-under par was the sixth-lowest team total in program history. It was also the second-lowest team score in the history of the Arizona Intercollegiate, trailing only the 'Cats 37-under performance in its win in 2019.

While Banke delivered the tournament winner by converting a 3-foot par save on the final hole, it was an eagle by junior Chase Sienkiewicz on his final hole that capped off a final round 67 and set the stage for Banke's clinching knee-knocker.

Brandon Strong (-12) of New Mexico, Jack Avrit of Santa Clara (-12) and Aaron Du (-10) of Cal were also in the mix for the individual title.

The Wildcats will return to official tournament action on Thursday, Feb. 17 when they make their annual appearance in the John Burns Intercollegiate in Lihue, Hawai'i.
Results: Arizona Thunderbirds Intercollegiate
PlacePlayerLocationPtsScores
1Danville, CA60067-69-66=202
2Anaheim, CA40069-68-66=203
T3, Australia30068-67-69=204
T3Arroyo Grande, CA30065-69-70=204
5, China30068-69-69=206

View full results for Arizona Thunderbirds Intercollegiate

About the Arizona Thunderbirds Intercollegiate

54 hole men's college tournament hosted by the University of Arizona. Team and individual competitions, with the best four of five rounds each day comprising the team score.

Most Popular Articles
FINAL RESULTS: 2026 Australian Men’s Amateur Championship

FINAL RESULTS: 2026 Australian Men’s Amateur Championship

Feb 6, 2026Billy Dowling pulled away with a closing 7-under 63 to win the 2026 adidas Australian Men’s Amateur Championship at 18-under.
Yunseo Yang Wins Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific at Royal Wellington Golf Club

Yunseo Yang Wins Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific at Royal Wellington Golf Club

Feb 15, 2026Yunseo Yang makes history as Korea’s first WAAP champion, earning major exemptions with a dominant win.
Koivun powers Auburn to breakthrough Amer Ari victory

Koivun powers Auburn to breakthrough Amer Ari victory

Feb 7, 2026Koivun’s 25-under week sparks Auburn’s record-setting win in Hawaii
U.S. Open Qualifying 2026: Local & Final Qualifying Sites for Shinnecock

U.S. Open Qualifying 2026: Local & Final Qualifying Sites for Shinnecock

Feb 13, 2026The road to Shinnecock Hills begins in April as 110 local qualifying sites and 13 final qualifying venues are set.
2026 Ben Hogan Award Watch List: 35 Names to Know This Spring

2026 Ben Hogan Award Watch List: 35 Names to Know This Spring

Jan 29, 2026The 2026 Ben Hogan Award watch list is out—35 college golf standouts are in the early mix for the game’s top individual honor.
Related Tournament
Arizona Thunderbirds Intercollegiate

Arizona Thunderbirds Intercollegiate

Loading latest news...