The 50th edition of the Thunderbird Collegiate teed off at Papago Golf Club last weekend, with Arizona State University junior Preston Summerhays earning his second-straight individual title, while the Sun Devils successfully defended home turf to win the team title.
With the victory, the JGAA alum becomes the first golfer to win two-consecutive Thunderbird Collegiate titles since Jon Rahm won three-straight (2014-2016). He now joins an elite company of multi-time winners of the Thunderbird Collegiate, a list that includes Rahm and Phil Mickelson.
After a five-way tie developed at the top of the standings midway through the final round, Summerhays went on a tear on the back nine with four birdies on the final seven holes to separate from the pack and ultimately pull away for the two-stroke win, finishing at 12-under for the tournament. He is the third-straight Sun Devil to win the Thunderbird Collegiate (Summerhays, ’23; Leow, ’22).
“Congrats to Preston on winning his first individual title of 2024,” said JGAA Executive Director Scott McNevin. “The Sun Devils are off to a hot start this season and we look forward to seeing him continue his success on-and-off the golf course.”
