A Story Book Win
The story couldn't have been written any better for Nicholas Chavez (SR/Alhambra, CA). Chavez was Providence Christian College's first golf recruit and has consistently been a key component to the growth of the program. In the fall of 2017, previous head coach Josh Ault recruited Nick from just down the road at Maranatha High School, and he had to hit the ground running at PCC. A lot of expectation and belief was placed on his shoulders to help lead the program into the future.
Add into the equation the challenges of starting a golf program from scratch, mix in a worldwide pandemic that shut down virtually everything for months on end, and to say things were difficult would be a severe understatement. Growing personally as a golfer during that time was nothing short of miraculous, and Nick did not let the adversity slow him down. He returned to PCC for his senior year with a renewed focus and drive to finish the job. With Coach Ault moving on to Westmont College, new head coach Todd Bowers stepped in and received the baton with vision and passion. Bowers has pushed Nick and the entire team from the moment he started, and the results are becoming evident as they compete.
Chavez started his 2021 campaign in Texas where he placed 5th at the LeTourneau Invitational. That performance won Chavez the NCCAA golfer of the week for his solid performance. Much practice, and many rounds have been played since then, and Nick was prepared for his next challenge. The Sea Beggars headed north to Rocklin, CA to compete in the Warrior Invitational, hosted by William Jessup University at Whitney Oaks Golf Course on October 19th and 20th. Chavez kicked off the tournament shooting an even par 71 and leading the field after the first round by an impressive six strokes. The golfers turned around and played another 18 holes on day one, and Nick again shot an impressive and consistent even par 71. He maintained his overall tournament lead, but now by only five strokes as his competition began chipping away at his lead. With day one in the books, the teams returned and teed off on a chilly morning for day two action, with the expectation for great competition. No one was shocked when the mounting pressure affected most of the leaders, but Nick was able to sustain the barrage and finish the final round shooting a six over par 77. He also maintained the overall tournament lead and finished as the 2021 Warrior Invitational men's champion.
Chavez' historic touch on the Sea Beggar golf program now extends to not just being the first recruit in program history, but also the first player to win an overall tournament title. When asked about the experience, Chavez said, "I am very happy to be the first winner in the programs history. I have been here since the beginning of the program and to win representing Providence is an honor to me. For the team I am also happy and proud that we were close to winning. We have an amazing group of guys and we all get along very well. We are so close to putting all the pieces together and I believe that as a team we can accomplish great things. Not only at our next event but for the ones in the future as well. Above all I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be able to attend and play golf at such an amazing school. I also want to thank my teammates, family, and friends for all their support along the way. I could not have done it without them." Coach Bowers added, "I couldn't be happier for Nick. I believe everything good that happens is a gift from God and should be acknowledged as grace. This tournament win couldn't have come to a more deserving collegiate golfer. Nick has endured the challenges of starting a new athletic team as well as COVID. Without embellishing, I can say that Nick is a pleasure to coach. He loves golf, pursues excellence, and he puts the work in. Winning an event is simply the fruit of his labor and he earned this win. He may well have an All-American campaign this year and it wouldn't surprise me if he wins multiple events. Congrats Mr. Chavez – Well done!"
There was almost another program first as the Sea Beggar team finished 2nd overall, just six strokes back from the winner. The team made a charge in the second round, making up some of the deficit from its first-round total of 315. Their second-round total of 301 put the team title within striking distance for the final round the next day. While the Sea Beggars posted the low team total on the final day with a 317, they didn't quite make up the full deficit and finished in 2nd place with a total of 933. Menlo College shot the low team total of the first round with a 303 and held onto their margin. Other notable Sea Beggar performances were freshman Trey Kirschner (FR)'s late charge during round three as he moved up two places on the leaderboard. Also noteworthy was the round two play of freshman Malik Edd (FR) as he shot a five over par 76, and the second-best Sea Beggar score of the day. Four of PCC's five golfers finished in the top nine of the invitational, it was a great effort by everyone involved.
The season is young and there is a lot of golf ahead in 2021-22 for Chavez and his fellow Sea Beggars. Expectations remain high for the foundation he and his teammates continue to build and the legacy they will leave behind.
