In addition to a new head coach, the Pumas started the 2023 season by adding some new players and an assistant coach to their roster this season.   

Head coach James Palmer has named Jake Davison as his assistant coach.  Davison a former Puma student-athlete and is now helping Coach Palmer lead the team.  

The Pumas played at Las Colinas Golf Club in Queen Creek, AZ January 30 & 31.  The tournament was hosted by Chandler Gilbert Community College with a strong field of eight teams.

The team shot 295-292 for the two days and was led by team captain Beau Autery.  Autrey opened the first day with a solid 69 (-2) round.  He shot a disappointing 76 (+5)  on the second day, but still was the low score for the team with 145 total.  

Coach Palmer said, "Even though Beau didn't play a great round the second day, he showed a lot of maturity in his game. That's what pros and high level amateurs do even on their bad days.  Seeing that level of maturity and self-awareness, gives me great confidence that this round will only make him better and stronger."

Isaac Ruiz, co-team captain, shot 73 -73 (146) to help lead the team for both days. Ruiz has been very consistent as co-team captain throughout the year giving the team a score to count on.  Coach Palmer said, "Isaac is a great ball striker and works on his swing.  His swing is consistent and reliable so his scores reflect that."

Quincy Robert shot a 78 (+7) on the first day, but bounced back on day two and fired a round of 69 (-2).  His first nine was a 39, but he came back with five birdies on the back to shoot a 30. This round was Robert's personal best and it was perfect timing during the tournament.  Coach Palmer stated about his round, "Quincy has an amazing swing, good short game, he can putt, and even his mental game is strong, so it is good to see his score reflect his swing and all around game.  He's pretty new to the game, so it's a matter of believing in himself and I think shooting a 30 on the back 9 helps with that belief in himself and his swing."

Keelan Cole joined the team this spring and he has had an immediate impact.  He qualified to play this week and shot 75-74 for the tournament.  Coach Palmer thinks that he will continue to get better during the season.

Davis Mack is playing in his second college tournament and is showing lots of growth.  He shot 78-78.  Coach Palmer said, "It is great to see Davis's game evolve.  He is a former baseball player, so I always remind him to be an athlete and focus on golf the same way you did when you had a full-count in baseball as a pitcher. Confidence is key and he is building confidence by working on his fundamentals."

Owen Slusher came into the tournament with a solid fall season, but he didn't play as well this tournament.  Owen shot 80-77 for the two days, Coach Palmer said, "Owen struggled but it happens to the best of them.  It's golf.  I know that Owen takes golf seriously, so he will figure it out in no time."

The Pumas placed 5th out of eight teams with South Mountain Community College winning the tournament. 

Results http://www.golfstatresults.com/public/leaderboards/team/static_index.cfm?tournament_id=27420

The Pumas next tournament is Feb. 14-15 at Dobson Ranch hosted by Mesa Community College.