NAPA, Calif. — The University of Hawai'i men's golf team saved its best for last, firing an even-par 288 in Tuesday's final round to finish in 12^th place at the Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational. Competing at the prestigious Silverado Country Club, the Rainbow Warriors completed the 54-hole event with a total score of 875 (+11).
 
The final round was a significant bounce-back for Hawai'i after a challenging second round on Monday. The team's 288 was a 14-stroke improvement over their previous 18 holes, allowing them to maintain their position in a competitive 14-team field that featured several top-tier programs.
 
Nathan Szpakowicz finished as one of the top individuals for the 'Bows, posting a steady 1-over 73 in the final round. Szpakowicz concluded the tournament with a three-day total of 217 (+1), placing him in a tie for 41^st. His opening-round 69 remained the lowest individual score for UH during the tournament.
 
The highlight of the final round came from Alec Hilgers and James Whitworth, both of whom carded 1-under-par 71s to lead the charge on Tuesday. Hilgers utilized the momentum to finish in a tie for 46th at 219 (+3), while Whitworth's strong finish moved him into a tie for 52^nd at 221 (+5).
 
Junior Dane Watanabe also contributed a counting score in the finale, posting a 1-over 73 to finish in a tie for 41^st alongside Szpakowicz at 217 (+1). Christopher Salem rounded out the UH contingent, finishing in a tie for 70th with a total of 225 (+9).
 
Brigham Young dominated the field to claim the team title, finishing with a 54-under total of 810. The Cougars were led by individual medalist Kihei Akina, who turned in a 9-under 63 on Tuesday to finish at 21-under-par (195) for the tournament.
 
The tournament, part of the PGA TOUR Pathway to Progression program, provided the Rainbow Warriors with elite competition and professional-level exposure. Despite the 12^th-place finish, the final-round surge provides a positive rhythm as the team enters the closing stretch of the spring season.
 
Next up for the Rainbow Warriors is a trip to Santa Cruz, Calif., for the Western Intercollegiate, scheduled for April 13-15. This will serve as the final tune-up before the team heads to the Big West Championship in early May.
 
12. Hawai'i — 285-302-288=875 (+11)
T-41. Nathan Szpakowicz — 69-75-73=217 (+1)
T-41. Dane Watanabe — 72-74-73=217 (+1)
T-46. Alec Hilgers — 72-76-71=219 (+3)
T-52. James Whitworth — 72-78-71=221 (+5)
T-70. Chris Salem — 73-77-75=225 (+9)