Tyler Swinton
But even Swinton had to break into a smile after breaking par.
The senior carded a 2-under over 54 holes to finish fourth out of 66 finishers at the College of Idaho Invitational at the par-72 Ridgecrest Golf Course in Nampa, Idaho. He fashioned 71-70-73-214 totals.
It was his best score in 12 career starts for NAIA Oregon Tech.
“It was good to end the year on a somewhat high note for sure. I’ve been struggling all fall season, but things started clicking last week,” Swinton told me. “I had a good feeling heading into the tournament because I really liked the layout and the way I was hitting the ball while playing the practice round.
“I didn’t putt all that well, but I hit the ball the best I have all season.”
Swinton, of Haines High fame, birded 14 of 54 holes on the weekend and hit the ball straight [80% fairways] and pure [70% GIR].
“I started -4 through six holes, but really struggled on a three-hole stretch on the back 9 throughout the tournament that cost me in the long run,” he said. “Sunday they put the pins in some really tough locations, which made it hard to get many good birdie looks.”
Northwest Nazarene won the team title at 15-under, with Oregon Tech second at 13-under. The tournament has a 36-hole/18-hole two-day format and on the second 18 on the first day Oregon Tech set a Cascade Collegiate Conference record with a score of 272.
“That was highlight of the week. The second 18 is always mentally and physically draining,” Swinton said. “I’m happy I could contribute to the team since I’ve been pretty hard on myself this fall for playing pretty poorly.”
The NAIA golf season will take a winter break and pick back up in March. Oregon Tech will play in three tournaments in preparation for the CCC Championships in April to end the season.