University of Colorado redshirt freshman
Riley Andrews finished fourth in the Colorado School of Mines Spring Invitational Monday, as the tournament endured through the dual light snowstorms that briefly blanketed the metro area Sunday and Monday mornings.
Andrews participated as an individual as CU did not enter the competition as a team. Due to the weather, the tournament was shortened to 36 holes from the original 54.
Andrews was tied for third after a 77 in Sunday's round on the 7,601-yard, par-72 Bear Creek Golf Club course; Monday's play took place at 6,808-yard, par-71 Fox Hollow Golf Course, literally on the other side of the highway from Bear Creek. He shot a 1-under 70, tying for the third best score on the day, giving him a 147 score overall and a fourth place finish, two strokes behind medalist Stephen Bidne of Northern Colorado. Bidne was tied for eighth after a first round 81, but blistered the Fox Hollow layout for a 7-under 64 to win with a 145 total.
Andrews scored the third most birdies, eight, in the meet, led all golfers in par-5 scoring (4.57) and was second in par-3 scoring (3.00). His fourth place finish was the best by a freshman in his first CU tournament since the 1999-2000 season, when
Tobias Forsgren won the Colorado State Invitational (also shortened to 36 holes), where
Kane Webber also tied for third.
Northern Colorado won the team competition with a 611 team score (39-over par), edging first round leader Montana State-Billings by three shots.
The Buffaloes return to action next week, Monday and Tuesday (April 7-8) in their own CU-Stevinson Ranch Invitational outside of Turlock, Calif. Seven Buffaloes will make the trip, with two, including Andrews and
Justin Bardgett, to play as individuals.