Grand Canyon University’s nerve-wracking formula for success in the WAC Championship almost worked again on Sunday, as the Lopes attempted another dramatic rally. Like in their 2023 and 2024 conference titles, they surged from behind in the final round, matching last year’s comeback from a double-digit deficit to lead on the back nine of the Golf Club at Chaparral Pines.
However, despite a strong effort, the momentum reversed in the final holes as Seattle U overtook GCU, claiming the WAC title by three strokes. GCU, ranked No. 52 nationally as of Friday, is still in contention for an NCAA regional at-large selection on Wednesday. GCU head coach Mark Mueller acknowledged the team’s efforts but noted, “It just wasn’t quite enough. Hats off to Seattle. They made a couple birdies down the stretch that didn’t make it easier.”
Nixon Lauritzen, GCU’s freshman star who turned 19 on Sunday, was one of four players to shoot 74 or better in each round of the championship. His par on the 18th hole helped secure the Lopes’ position ahead of Tarleton State, who finished just one stroke behind.
“It wasn’t even close to the way we wanted to play,” Lauritzen said. “But in the end, me and the boys are just grateful to experience a tournament like this on a beautiful course. I’m not mad at anything. We’ll prepare for the next few weeks and go kick some butt on another course.”
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The Lopes started the day trailing Seattle U by seven strokes and briefly dropped to fourth place, facing a double-digit deficit before rallying. The final rounds, which lasted over 6 1/2 hours, were a grind for the Lopes, but they managed to climb back. After cutting the lead in half, GCU took the lead after every player birdied the par-5 12th hole. The team continued to push, with three more birdies on the 14th hole, but Seattle U responded with strong play to regain the lead. Li’s eagle on No. 14 and Walker Lamb’s strong finish, birdieing four of the final five holes, secured the Redhawks’ win.
Lauritzen reflected on the pressure of the situation, saying, “My heart was racing throughout the entire day. Pressure’s a good thing, and I was able to pull through it and play some decent golf.”
The Lopes’ overall record improved to 108-41-1 after beating seven of eight conference opponents. With the NCAA regional tournament field set to be announced on Wednesday, GCU remains hopeful for a strong showing in the postseason.
Assistant coach Mike Schaloum expressed confidence in their standing: “I feel like we’re definitely in a good spot number-wise. This might be what we needed to bring us closer and work a little harder to get to nationals.”
In individual performances, GCU freshman Nixon Lauritzen finished ninth at 5 over, sophomore Gavin O’Neill and senior Kiko Coelho both tied for 10th at 6 over. Utah Valley’s Dane Huddleston claimed the medalist honors, winning after a two-hole playoff against Seattle U’s Kevin Li. Graduate Tommaso Zorzetto shot his tournament’s lowest round on Sunday, a 1-over 73, to tie for 16th place with GCU freshman Matthew Diehl, who finished 10 over for the weekend.
“We certainly didn’t play our best,” Coach Mueller admitted. “We never had a guy get going. We never got going, but they were always right there.”
