April 3, 2010

Results at Golfstat.com

Final Results in PDF Format

Junior Matt Giles tied for third and sophomore Steve Lim tied for eighth as No. 12 USC challenged for its first win of the season before finishing three strokes back in third on Saturday (April 3) at the 38th annual ASU Thunderbird Invitational at the Karsten G.C. in Tempe, Ariz.

USC, which posted its fourth straight top four finish, combined for a 10-under 842 (278-278-286), three behind winner Washington (389) and one behind UCLA (841).

The Trojans held the lead for much of the third round before falling behind the Huskies and being caught by the Bruins. Still, a young USC dominated by underclassmen after it had to replace three All-Americans off the 2009 roster has made steady improvements as the post-season nears.

"We are improving as the year goes on," said USC head coach Chris Zambri. "We have been in position to win and have learned from the experience. We are looking forward to a great finish to the year."

Giles, a two-time All-American, turned in his best effort of the season in Arizona, tying for third with a 6-under 207 (70-68-79), two off first place. He was 1-under going out and coming in today with six birdies and four bogeys.

Lim challenged for his first title as a Trojan before settling for a tie for eighth at 5-under 208 (68-65-75). He had four birdies and an eagle on the par-4 ninth hole, but bogeys on five of the final seven holes dropped him down the leaderboard.

Freshman T.J. Vogel, coming off back-to-back top 2 finishes in his last two events, tied for 22nd at 1-under 212 (69-71-72). He had two birdies, a bogey and a double bogey on the day. His finish was his fifth of 27th or better.

Freshman Martin Trainer tied for 35th at 2-over 215 (71-74-70) while freshman Stewart Hagestad was 76th at 12-over 225 (71-75-79).