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  5. Cal Baptist Wins 22nd Annual Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational
Press release

Cal Baptist Wins 22nd Annual Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational

Rio Verde, Ariz. (February 24, 2025) – Rio Verde Country Club recently hosted 20 women’s collegiate teams from across the country for the 22nd annual Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational. California Baptist captured the team championship for the second consecutive year, holding off Illinois State by one stroke and Xavier by five strokes. California Baptist sophomore Pusanisa Ekkantrong took the top honors in the individual competition with rounds of 68-75-64 to finish with a three-day total of -9, 207. The tournament, which was hosted in conjunction with Western Michigan University, was played on Rio Verde’s par-72 White Wing Golf Course at 6,001 yards.

Top 5 Teams:

1st California Baptist – 864

2nd Illinois State – 865

3rd Xavier – 869

4th Kennesaw State – 884

5th Ball State – 894

It was California Baptist women's golf program’s second tournament team win of the season and Ekkantrong’s first individual victory of the season and second career tournament victory as a Lancer. Ekkantrong posted an 8-under-par 64 during the third round, marking a new California Baptist women's golf 18-hole record. The previous record was held by Samantha Dizon, Erica Wang, and Burberry Zhang at 6-under-par. Ekkantrong also now holds the 54-hole California Baptist women's golf record at 9-under-par, which Dizon and Zhang previously held at 7-under-par.

Rio Verde Country Club members and community residents graciously volunteered their time to coordinate the four-day event, which included a Thursday practice round. Golfers were served multiple meals and enjoyed the hospitality.

Universities that competed in the 2025 Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational included:

  • Akron

  • Ball State

  • Bowling Green

  • Bradley

  • Butler University

  • California Baptist University

  • Cal State University Northridge

  • Central Michigan

  • Creighton University

  • Illinois State

  • Kennesaw State University

  • Loyola of Chicago

  • Missouri State University

  • Oakland University

  • Ohio University

  • University of South Dakota

  • Utah Tech

  • Wichita State University

  • Western Michigan University

  • Xavier

“Rio Verde Country Club was honored to welcome these exceptional, young athletes to our beautiful (and warm) desert oasis,” said Anthony Paino, Rio Verde Country Club’s general manager. “The entire Rio Verde community takes pride in hosting this incredible tournament. Congratulations to all involved.”

For more information on the Rio Verde Community and Country Club, visit www.rioverdearizona.com.

About Rio Verde Community and Country Club

Located between the eastern foothills of the McDowell Mountains and the Tonto National Forest, Rio Verde Country Club is a private 36-hole golf club in Rio Verde, Ariz. and is managed by Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon. Members who reside in the Rio Verde community enjoy unlimited access to dining and events, 36-holes of parkland-style golf, a driving range, three putting greens, bunker/chipping complex, tennis, pickleball, swimming, fitness, bocce, and dozens of special interest clubs. Full membership is also available to non-residents and provides unlimited access to tee times, golf events, and dining. With its low taxes, competitive real estate prices and tranquil location, Rio Verde appeals to primary and vacation homeowners. Comprised of custom-built homes, townhomes and villas in a wide range of prices, Rio Verde is a low-density, master-planned enclave with large lots highlighted by golf course, mountain or desert views.

About Troon

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 900-plus locations in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contact

Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
[email protected]