Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
Ram Masters Day 2
Something Old and Something New
9/12/2025 5:09:00 PM | Men's Golf
Poise and potential carry Colorado State to second
Experience isn't linear. It can change and evolve as a team does as well.
At the second day of Colorado State's home golf tournament, the Ram Masters, Alessandro Trenta earned second place while maintaining his standing from the previous rounds a day prior at 5-under—just under Davis McDowell from UC San Diego, who finished 6-under.
The ultimate winner of the tournament came down to Trenta's last hole. Though he couldn't pull out the birdie he needed for his last shot, he remained composed. In his senior season, the pressure serves more as a catalyst than a burden.
There was definitely some pressure, Trenta said. But I would say the more pressure we have, the more we know it was one of those moments we practiced for. Every time I can feel the pressure, I try to embrace it because I know this is what we practice for every single day.
While Trenta showcased the calm of a veteran, a different kind of performance unfolded just a few groups away.
On the opposite end is freshman Charlie Doyle. Despite his first-year status, Doyle ended 6-over and was fourth out of the Rams as he played alongside graduate transfer Owen Mullen who ended with 10-over. Surrounded by those with more experience, the tournament could be daunting for a number of reasons.
His mindset, however, tried to stave off the negativity and focus on the good.
There were a lot of nerves with it being the first tournament, Doyle said. But, getting to play with a teammate was super helpful. He's very calm and helped me a lot to stay in that headspace. Getting fourth in this tournament, though, gives me all the confidence I need for the next week or two. So, I'm super excited to get that done.
Both old and new came together to complete the puzzle. It's exactly what coach Jack Kennedy wants to see out of his roster, especially in the first tournament of the season.
Seeing how players react under pressure and learn from their mistakes is invaluable as the year truly kicks into high gear.
We knew this was going to be a long year, Kennedy said. This is the first year we play 11 of these things. It just happened the first one is at our home course, so that makes it a little more important. But we wanted to learn about ourselves this year. We didn't know a lot about our current lineup and we're trying to figure ourselves out. So, it was a good start overall.
Getting second in a home tournament certainly stings, but just like one game doesn't make the season, one tournament doesn't make the year. Every shot counts, but it's important not to dwell on a single result.
That perspective resonated with the team's veterans.
Coach put it well, Trenta said. You don't make regionals with the first tournament. It's definitely a good start and building our confidence. We have two more in the next eight days so it's now trying to do our best out there too.
The foundation is getting stronger.
For Doyle, that foundation is only beginning to set. His first taste of collegiate competition provided both a reality check and a boost of belief. Each round is another lesson, each swing a step toward matching the steadiness of veterans like Trenta.
Well, his expectations just got ramped up, Kennedy said. He has by far exceeded expectations in terms of his first event and getting his feet wet. He hits it like a high major Division I player. He's got all the skills, all the talent. Now, it's just about experience and understanding what it's like playing these 54-hole events.
That balance of maturity and promise is exactly what the Rams will rely on as the season unfolds.
Trenta's steadiness and Doyle's raw enthusiasm are not opposites but bookends. Together they signal where the Rams are headed: a team which can lean on wisdom while nurturing the next wave of leaders.
If experience is the difference, time will take care of the rest.
