Pepperdine, Joe Highsmith sweep Western Intercollegiate

Pepperdine won the Western Intercollegiate team title with ease while Joe Highsmith took the individual title after four playoff holes.

It’s difficult to win a golf tournament. The individual leaderboard at the Western Intercollegiate proved that to be true with a three-player playoff for the title. Now the team leaderboard?

Not so much.

A contender for the national title before the pandemic canceled last season, Pepperdine cruised to their first win of the spring at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, California, on Wednesday. The Waves swept over the field in the final round, shooting 6 under as a team to finish at 4 under, the lone team under par. Stanford finished second at 7 over, with San Diego State in third at 20 over.

Rankings: Men’s team | Men’s individual

The Waves were led by junior Joe Highsmith, who earned his first collegiate win after four playoff holes. The Lakewood, Washington, native made par to win, defeating BYU’s Carson Lundell. San Diego State’s Puwit Anupansuebsai was eliminated after the third playoff hole.

The Waves, winners of two events in the fall, will next play at the WCC Championships at the end of the month.

[listicle id=778073458]