Skip To Main Content

CSU Monterey Bay Athletics

Skip to Navigation

Scoreboard desktop

Schedule

All Events
2024 CCAA Men's Golf Champions
Alec Bevan (IG @snapshot_media6)

How Swede It Is: Björken, Otters Win CCAA Titles

Björken become eighth Otter CCAA medalist; team wins fifth crown

April 24, 2024

By: Kevin Gilmore (@OtterKevin)
SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Junior Simon Björken became the eighth Cal State Monterey Bay player to win a California Collegiate Athletic Association men's golf championship by leading the Otters to their fifth team title at the CCAA Championship Tournament Wednesday at Santa Rosa Country Club.

He's the second Otter Swede to the wear the crown, joining Elis Svard, the 2018 CCAA medalist. CSUMB won its last team championship in 2019, following titles in 2010, '11, and '13.

"This is the definition of perseverance," said CSUMB Head Coach Jason Owen. "Playing the CCAA championship on Sonoma State's home course was incredibly hard, but these guys worked their tails off and got it done. So good!"

Björken entered the final round trailing teammate and fellow Swede Wilhelm Berg von Linde by a stroke before carding his second consecutive 68 Wednesday to win at 10-under 206. Berg von Linde shot a 1-under 71 and finished second at 8-under.

Led by their Swedish superstars, the Otters made a remarkable charge after sitting in last place at 8-over through the tournament's opening nine holes. CSUMB finished the first round 12 strokes off the pace set by Cal State San Marcos, but that deficit didn't last long.

By the time the dust settled following Tuesday's second round, not only had CSUMB trimmed nine strokes off the deficit, but Berg von Linde (1st) and Björken (2nd) had climbed to the top of the individual leaderboard. The Otters then caught fire down the stretch, playing the final nine holes at 5-under, including birdies on 18 by Berg von Linde, Tommy Kimberling (Rancho Cucamonga/Los Osos HS) and Will Musson (Clovis North HS).

Kimberling shot 1-over Wednesday and finished tournament play tied for 18th at even par 216. Musson shot 69 and tied for 24th overall at 2-over.

The CCAA Championship Tournament was CSUMB's last action before the final NCAA Division II West Region rankings are announced. The Otters entered the week as the top ranked team in the region and will begin preparations for the NCAA Division II Regional Championship May 9–11 at the New Mexico State University Golf Course in Las Cruces.


 
GO OTTERS!





 
Print Friendly Version