Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational: Colorado State secures three-peat

September 23, 2024 | by Amit Pandey of AmateurGolf.com

Matthew Wilkinson (Colorado State Athletics Photo)

Colorado State saw Matthew Wilkinson rising to the ocassion to win the individual title

In a display of dominance, the Colorado State men’s golf team, also known as the Rams, clinched the Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational title with a remarkable 14-under par total of 850, following rounds of 286-281-283.

This wire-to-wire victory marked the Rams’ third consecutive championship at the Eisenhower Golf Club in Colorado, as they finished a comfortable nine strokes ahead of their nearest rivals.

Entering the final round with an impressive 9-under par, the Rams held an eight-stroke advantage over Utah. They capped off the tournament with a solid 283, turning what felt like a formality into a triumphant conclusion, s they faced little resistance from the field.

Utah State secured the runner-up position with a total score of 5-under par 859, compiling rounds of 290-285- 284.

Individually, junior Matthew Wilkinson shone brightest among the competition, carding an impressive 10-under par 206 after rounds of 65-70-71. His performance not only earned him the individual title by three strokes but also contributed significantly to Colorado State's success in both the individual and team categories.

Freshman Ralf Kivi from Estonia, made his mark by finishing fifth at 4-under par with rounds of 71-72-69. Senior Christoph Bleier rounded out the Rams' strong showing with a T15 finish at 1-under par, recording rounds of 72-71-72.

Reflecting on their past performances, last year Colorado State claimed victory with a total score of 13-under par (292, 279, 280), winning by 11 strokes. Bleier led the team with a runner-up finish, narrowly losing in a playoff to Caleb VanArragon of Valparaiso. In 2022, the Rams posted an astounding total of 30-under par (283-280-271), securing a staggering 25-stroke victory over Colorado, who managed only 5-under par 859.

Results: Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Matthew Wilkinson	Centennial, CO	400	65-70-71=206
T2	Brady Kaufman	Jacksonville, IL	300	71-68-70=209
3	Ethan Flynn	Truckee, CA	200	72-72-66=210
4	Jaren Calkins	Lander, WY	200	73-68-70=211
5	Ralf Johan Kivi	, Estonia	200	71-72-69=212