Fantastic four

Using All-American Brock Mackenzie as an example, the men's golf team won the Opus Northwest Husky Invitational tournament yesterday, shooting a total of 7-over, 1,087 strokes over two days, besting second-place finisher San Diego State by 21.

Mackenzie carded a total of 8 under during three rounds of play at Gold Mountain Golf Complex in Bremerton, Wash., which is a par-72 course.

"My driving and irons were solid. I only made three putts outside of 10 feet all week. I hit 16 greens every single round. On a tough golf course, when you shoot that, you're going to be all right," said Mackenzie.

Mackenzie shot a 4-under 68 yesterday on the way to his record-setting fourth tournament win, surpassing former Husky golf legend and coach O.D. Vincent for most career wins in school history.

"O.D. (Vincent) is someone I really respect, so it is exciting to go ahead of him, but it's not something I have spent a lot of time thinking about," Mackenzie said. "I'm more excited with my teammates really coming through today. We shot 4-under as a team, counting five scores. That was awesome."

The Huskies trailed Brigham Young University by one stroke after the first round of play Monday, but were able to pull ahead due to strong final rounds by senior Corey Prugh, who finished with a 1-under 71, and even par rounds by sophomore Erik Olson, as well as freshman Cody Upham.

The team featured a young lineup -- including three freshmen playing their first collegiate tournament -- and was the only team to post an under-par team round during the tournament. Team scores are compiled after each day by taking the best five rounds of the six golfers competing.

Coach Matt Thurmond was pleased with Mackenzie's play during the tournament.

"It was vintage Brock Mackenzie," said Thurmond. "He didn't make any mistakes. There was nothing too amazing, just solid shot-after-shot play. It was a great way for him to start his season. I think he is going to win more tournaments this year and that's also his expectation."

Last season the team won five tournaments, including the NCAA west regional championship, and had the second-best finish in school history. The Huskies won the UW Invitational in 2001, the last year it was held, and the team will host the NCAA west regional championships at Washington National at the end of the season.