Caiden Cardiff wins High Desert Invitational; Gracie McGovern is ranked No. 1 in D-III

April 24, 2022 by Andy Morales, AZPreps365


Caiden Cardiff (Andy Morales/AZPreps365)

April 22-23: Antelope Hills

North Course: First Round (Par 71)

Southern Course: Second Round (Par 72)

 

Northland Prep senior Caiden Cardiff shot a 3-over-par 146 at the High Desert Invitational held by Chino Valley on Friday and Saturday. The two rounds were split at Antelope Hills between the North Course and the South Course.

Cardiff trimmed five shots off in the back nine to secure a one-stroke victory over Northland Prep junior Kendall McCain. Scottsdale Christian senior Nicklaus Ummel made a charge in the second with a 5-under 67 to take third place with 148.

 

TOP FIVE FINISHERS

1 Caiden Cardiff, Northland Prep: 77 69 146

2 Kendall McCain, Northland Prep: 77 70 147

3 Nicklaus Ummel, Scottsdale Christian: 81 67 148

4 Jay Nergard, Tempe Prep: 75 74 149

5 Garrett Smith, Valley Christian: 78 72 150

 

TOP FIVE TEAM

1 Scottsdale Prep 327 292 619

2 Phoenix Country Day 322 305 627

3 Northland Prep 331 304 635

4 Payson 336 315 651

5 Pusch Ridge 340 322 662

 

The state tournament is slated for May 9-10 at the Omni Tucson National Catalina Course. Each of the seven section champions will receive a berth to the state playoffs and eight at-large berths will also be awarded for a total of 15 teams. In addition, the top 15 individuals not attached to a qualifying team will earn a berth. May 7 is the last day to qualify.

 

Here are the qualifying teams as of April 23:

Payson (Sec. 1)

Yuma Catholic (Sec. 2)

Safford (Sec. 3)

Scottsdale Prep (Sec. 4)

Northland Prep (Sec. 5)

AZ College Prep (Sec. 6)

Pusch Ridge (Sec. 7)

Phoenix Country Day

BASIS Phoenix

Scottsdale Christian

ALA Gilbert North

Snowflake

ALA Queen Creek

Valley Christian

Tempe Prep

Gracia McGovern (JGAA Photot)

 

Scottsdale Christian sophomore Gracie McGovern is currently the top-ranked golfer in the state. Also, as of now, Phoenix Christian freshman JJ Brigowatz would hold to the top individual at-large berth.

McGovern was the 2021 Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) Player of the Year and she just missed the cut at the Ping Heather Farr Classic this past week in Mesa.