Utah Valley University’s golfer Mason Casper recently completed his second season at UVU with several wins and accomplishments.
With a third win finish at the America Sky Conference Golf Championships shooting a final-round 75, Casper was named the Conference Player of the Year, which earned him an at large bid into the NCAA championships.
Casper earned a spot in the NCAA regional’s which made him Utah Valley’s first-ever golfer to qualify. With big competition, Casper closed out the tournament in a tie for 55th with a three-day total 8-over par.
“That was probably the biggest highlight of the season,” Casper said. “It was an awesome experience. I didn’t play like I wanted too but I hope I can do better next year and advance a little further.”
Not only did Casper compete in the NCAA regional’s but he also participated in the Provo Open where he placed first in the Amateur Division and tied for second in the Professional Division
The Provo Open consists of two different divisions, Amateur and Professional, an open tournament where Amateurs are able to compete against professionals.
“The Provo Open was a big accomplishment for me,” Casper said. “I definitely feel like it was a good way to end the season.”
One week after finishing second and being the low amateur at the Provo Open, Casper dominated consecutive rounds of 64 to win his hometown’s 44th Art City Amateur at Hobble Creek.
Being a Springville High School graduate, Casper was also the first local to win the tournament since Ron Hitchcock in 1989.
“I’ve got all sorts of goals for next year but I definitely want to get back to the NCAA regional’s,” Casper said. “My main goal is to move on [in the tournament] and hopefully we can do that at as team.”
With more expectations and goals for next season, Casper strives to improve his game with more championship wins.
“I’m feeling pretty satisfied,” Casper said. “My main goal to start the season was to make it to regional’s and that’s what I did.”
Casper finished the season with seven top-10 finishes and is currently ranked 49th in the nation with a scoring average at 71.83.
“It was a great season and there’s nothing I can really complain about.” Casper said.
By Rachel Anderson
Sports Writer
