Amer Ari Invitational: Epic comeback gives Pepperdine the win
- Pepperdine photo
In possibly one of the greatest finishes in Pepperdine men's golf history, the Waves rallied from a 12-shot deficit and got incredible rounds from a pair of freshmen – including medalist William Mouw – to win the Amer Ari Invitational on Saturday.
Pepperdine began the day tied for fourth place and paired with three of the best programs in the country in Georgia Tech (which had the 12-shot lead), Texas and Arizona State. But the Waves fired an 18-under 270 – tying the second-best round in program history – to finish with a 39-under 825 (281-274-270) – the third-best 54-hole score in program history – and beat the Longhorns by two shots at the par-72 Waikoloa Kings Course.
It was close coming down the stretch but both Mouw and Dylan Menante ended their rounds with eagles. In fact, Mouw went birdie-eagle (with a 45-foot putt) to finish at 8-under on the day and 13-under for the tournament to earn a share of the 54-hole lead. He won on the first playoff hole to claim his first college victory. Menante, meanwhile, ended his round by going eagle-birdie-eagle to shoot 7-under on the day.
The Waves also won their own Southwestern Invitational to begin the spring season. This is just the second time in program history that the Waves have won back-to-back tournaments and the first time since 1996. Pepperdine has won three tournaments in a season for the second straight year and the fourth time in program history.
- Thanks to Pepperdine Men's Golf for this report.
ABOUT THE
The Amer Ari Intercollegiate -- hosted by the
University of Hawaii-Hilo -- has brought some of the best golfers in the nation to the west side of the Big Island annually since its inception in 1992. From Tiger Woods to Jordan Spieth to Matt Kuchar, the Amer Ari Intercollegiate has hosted a myriad of players through the years who have gone on to professional stardom.
The event was originally played at Hapuna Golf Course at Mauna Kea Resort before moving to the Waikoloa Beach Resort. The Amer Ari returned to Hapuna during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the event was moved to Mauna Lani. The Amer Ari is a 54-hole collegiate men's event with individual and team competitions.
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