Wyozona Cup: Day 1 Recap – Team Arizona Takes the First Point

In what can only be described as an "odd starting format," the first round of the Wyozona Cup saw Team Arizona fight tooth and nail to secure the opening point of the competition. The match began with a 3-man alternate shot format that took some time to adjust to, leading to a chaotic yet thrilling battle between the teams.

Wyoming came out strong, taking an early lead and going 2 UP through the first four holes. However, Team Arizona wasn't about to back down. After a tense back-and-forth, Arizona managed to even things up by the 7th hole, only to see Wyoming once again take control, winning holes 8 and 9 to stay 2 UP at the turn.

But as anyone who has watched the Wyozona Cup knows, it’s never over until it’s over. Wyoming’s lead stretched to 3 UP with six holes remaining after back-to-back birdies on holes 11 and 12. But Arizona, ever the resilient competitor, clawed back and reduced the deficit to just 1 UP with only two holes to go.

On the 17th, Arizona’s steady par and a near-miss for Wyoming set the stage for a dramatic final hole. Both teams faced a tense par-5 with a forced layup shot over water. Arizona laid up safely but faltered with a 3-putt. Wyoming, however, saw their tee shot roll just short of the fairway, forcing another layup. With a missed green to the right and a three-putt for a costly 7, Arizona snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, claiming the first point of the Cup.

Though Wyoming secured the better net score, their failure to capitalize on the last two holes, including a double bogey finish, cost them the match. As the teams look ahead, Team Wyoming reflected on the outcome: "History repeats itself, we've been here before. Last year, we saw a lead evaporate on the last two holes of day one, but that's why we have 3 more days and 5 more points available. It’s not the first to 1; it's the first to 3.5. Lots of golf left."

Meanwhile, Team Arizona took the win in stride, with one player summing up the day: "Feels like two dogs in one bun, if you know what I mean. Lots of big shots by the ole bull. It's so nice having him back on the tees and greens. We might not be his rich friends, but we are his best friends. Lots of golf left, but it feels great getting up 1-0."

With the first point secured, all eyes are now on Day 2 of the Wyozona Cup—where the battle is far from over.