Academic excellence continues to define the program
Two standout Colorado Buffaloes, Parker Paxton and Jackson Rivera, recently joined a prestigious group of student-athletes by being named NCAA Division I Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars. Paxton earned a 3.310 grade point average in Strategic Communication/Advertising with a Business minor, while Rivera maintained a 3.600 GPA in Organizational Leadership. To qualify, athletes must achieve a minimum 3.2 GPA, compete in at least half of their team's rounds, and have a stroke average under 76. This achievement continues the team's strong streak of seven consecutive years with at least one honoree, and it marks the 11th honor in the last 12 years.
This year, the team raised their cumulative GPA to 3.42, breaking their own previous record of 3.35 set in 2019-20. To qualify for this award, a team must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 across all members. The Buffaloes exceeded the standard with all eight team members contributing to the impressive total.
Summer tournaments deliver standout performances
Brandon Knight and Tyler Long both qualified for the U.S. Amateur by performing at high levels in their respective regional events. Knight shot a bogey-free, 9-under 63 at the Club at Ruby Hill in Pleasanton, California, tying for the medalist honors in the final qualifying round on July 13. Long secured his spot by winning a nine-hole playoff over BYU senior Peter Kim at The Country Club of Salt Lake. Both tied for fourth and final qualifying spots, each posting a 3-under 69.
Sophomore Casey Kosney delivered a strong performance at the Carolinas Open, tying for 13th place with a 7-under total of 209 (66-69-74). He finished just eight strokes behind the leader and tied for the seventh-best amateur score. Before returning to Boulder, Kosney is set to compete in the South Carolina Match Play Championship, which runs from August 11 to 15.
Parker Paxton continued his impressive summer at the Wyoming State Open, where he posted a score of 201 (62-64-75), securing the low amateur honors. Earlier in the summer, he dominated the Silverado Amateur with an 8-under 208, finishing four strokes ahead of UC Davis' Ryan Firpo. His performances on Silverado's North Course in Napa, California, showcased his consistency and skill.
Recruits and returning players make summer waves
Gavin Amella, a recruit from Castle View High School in Castle Rock, Colorado, impressed in the AJGA Junior Open at The Bridges in Montrose on July 30. He finished second with a 17-under par 196 (64-62-70), just one shot behind the leader. Amella's standout 62 in the second round was the lowest of the tournament and demonstrated his potential as a top-tier prospect.
Asher Whitaker, a transfer from Oklahoma, made his mark in the Kansas Amateur. He finished second in the stroke play portion with a 133 (-7) total (62-71), earning the No. 2 seed for the match play. Although he won his first-round match, he fell one stroke short in the Round of 32. His 62 remains a personal best and a strong indicator of his future success.
Justin Biwer, a recent graduate of the program, secured the last qualifying spot for the Korn Ferry Tour's The Blue Championship at TPC Colorado in Berthoud on July 6. Biwer carded a bogey-free, 6-under 66 at Colorado National, earning a coveted place in the tournament. Current player Parker Paxton and recruit Gavin Amella also participated, finishing tied for 28th and 38th, respectively. Both players turned in competitive scores, with Paxton at 1-under 71 and Amella at 72.
Coaches Derek Fribbs and Hunter Swanson also put in their first professional rounds since Swanson turned pro in June. At the Walnut Creek Golf Preserve, Fribbs and Swanson each shot even-par 72s, tying for 30th. Four players made the cut with a 5-under par score, and Tucker Clark also competed, finishing tied for 42nd with a 2-over 74.
The Buffaloes also had strong representation in the 59th Annual Pacific Coast Amateur at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Livermore, California, from July 21 to 24. Brandon Knight tied for 11th with a total of 276 (-4). He was in contention for much of the event but finished eight strokes off the lead. His 65 in the second round was highlighted by an impressive four consecutive birdies to close the round. Ty Holbrook placed 19th with a 277 (-3), while Tyler Long tied for 29th at 279 (-1). Paxton, however, missed the cut by two strokes with a total of 215.
Finally, eight Buffaloes had the opportunity to compete in this year's Inspirato Colorado Open from July 23 to 26. The tournament was held on the 7,252-yard, par-71 Green Valley Ranch course in northeast Denver. Hunter Swanson, competing in his first professional event, finished tied for sixth with a 15-under par scorecard of 68-65-67-69—269. His performance showcased the strength of the program's emerging talent, with five alumni, two recent graduates, and one current player earning spots in the field.