At the 12th Annual Patriot All-America in Arizona, Caden Fioroni from UNLV and Antonia Malate, a grad student at San Jose State won their respective divisions.
Fioroni was 12 under, with scores of 67,71,63 and 63 at Wigwam Golf Club, Litchfield Park in Arizona. This beat Ben Lorenz from Oklahoma by one shot. Connor Jones from Colorado State and Stephen J. Campbell of Oklahoma tied for third at 10-under.
Fioroni’s final round 63 included birdies on five holes, including Nos. To tie the low score of the men’s division, Fioroni shot 16, 17, and 18. Lorenz tried to make birdie on 18th hole, but failed.
Fioroni said, “I don’t know what to say right now. I knew I was behind today and this marks the first time that I have ever thought about my score.” “I knew that I had to make as many birdies and putts as possible. I was so in the zone, I didn’t realize it until the round ended that I had shot 8 under. “I’m in shock right now. I don’t know what to do.”
Caden Fioroni, UNLV celebrates winning the 2022 Patriot All-America at Litchfield Park in Arizona. (Photo: Arizona Golf Association)
Malate was able to earn medalist honors in women’s division, beating Emma McMyler of Xavier and Grace Summerhays from ASU.
They finished 54 holes tied at 9 over. Summerhays won the playoff hole and was eliminated. Malate and Xavier both made birdies. Malate hit a 20-foot eagle shot to win the fourth playoff hole.
Malate said, “This is one my biggest collegiate wins so it’s exciting.” “Emma played very well and made many great putts. It was difficult for me to play, so I had the eagle to win.
Antonia Malate of San Jose State celebrates after winning the 2022 Patriot All-America in Litchfield Park, Arizona. (Photo: Arizona Golf Association)
Chaz Aurilia, a senior from Arizona, won the inaugural Thunderbolt at Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club Surprise, Arizona.
Aurilia also required additional holes to win. Aurilia tied with Joseph Lloyd of Fresno State at 13 under. Aurilia then sank a 20-foot birdie, while Lloyd attempted from 18 feet.
It feels good. Aurilia said, “I played really well throughout the week.” This is the first event of its kind, and it’s a great event. It was also for a very cool cause so it was a great tournament.
At the 2022 Thunderbolt at Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club, Surprise, Arizona, Chaz Aurilia was awarded medalist honors. (Photo: Arizona Golf Association)
About The Patriot All-America
In partnership with Folds of Honor Foundation, the event honors severely wounded or fallen soldiers. Ping donated a golf bag to golfers, which is emblazoned by the name and branch in service of the fallen or injured military personnel they will be representing. The card includes the soldier’s story, which gives many top players an insight into life and golf. The tournament ends with the bags being shipped to the schools of players and then auctioned off. All proceeds go to the Folds of Honor Foundation. The new event is named after the Air Force P-47 Thunderbolt and was created in 2023 to allow players who did not meet the initial eligibility requirements to be admitted into The Patriot.
