Pebble Beach, California, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The No. 12-ranked Vanderbilt men’s golf team won the Carmel Cup at Spyglass Hill Golf Course, finishing 17-under 1,063. The Commodores secured victory over top programs like Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. Freshman Michael Riebe made a splash with a third-place finish, leading in par-5 scoring and birdies. This historic win marks Vanderbilt’s first triumph in the Carmel Cup after 11 attempts and sets a promising tone for the season ahead. The team will next compete at The Invitational in Ooltewah, Tennessee.
Pebble Beach, California – The No. 12-ranked Vanderbilt men’s golf team secured victory at the 2025 Carmel Cup, finishing with a score of 17-under 1,063. This win, achieved at the Spyglass Hill Golf Course, marked a significant highlight for the Commodores as they defeated top-ranked defending national champion Oklahoma State and No. 9 Oklahoma by three strokes.
Vanderbilt golfer scores over the three rounds included 352, 346, and 365, played under the play-six, count-five format, showcasing the team’s consistent performance throughout the tournament. This marks the beginning of the 2025-26 season on a high note for the Commodores, who celebrated their 47th team title under the guidance of Coach Scott Limbaugh. The Carmel Cup victory is highlighted by the fact that it is Vanderbilt’s first triumph of the season and their first win since the 2024 NCAA West Lafayette Regional.
Freshman Michael Riebe made a noteworthy impression by finishing third overall in his collegiate debut with a score of 10-under par 206. Not only did he lead in par-5 scoring at 11-under, but he also tied for the most birdies in the tournament, recording a total of 19. Riebe’s performance displayed the talent that the incoming players can bring to the established team.
Sophomore Ryan Downes followed closely behind, securing a fourth-place finish with a score of 8-under 208. Downes maintained a strong showing with all three rounds played under par, adding depth to Vanderbilt’s overall success. Additionally, senior All-American Wells Williams placed sixth with a score of 6-under 210, leading the field in par-4 scoring at 7-under.
Contributing to the team’s effort were freshman Jon Ed Steed and junior Carlos Astiazaran, who made their debuts during the tournament. Steed finished tied for 29th with a total score of 4-over 220. This year’s Carmel Cup marks a historic victory for Vanderbilt, as it was their first win in the event after 11 previous attempts since the tournament’s inception in the 2011-12 season.
This year will be the final iteration of the Carmel Cup, which has provided a platform for top college golf teams for the last 14 years. Vanderbilt’s success in this tournament is also noteworthy as it signifies the third season-opening win in the last four years. The team will look to leverage this momentum as they prepare for their next event, The Invitational at the Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee, scheduled for September 15-16.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Carmel Cup
- Vanderbilt’s Team Scores: 352, 346, 365
- Top Finishers:
- Michael Riebe: 3rd place, -10, 206
- Ryan Downes: 4th place, -8, 208
- Wells Williams: 6th place, -6, 210
- Second Consecutive Year: Vanderbilt’s first Carmel Cup victory.
- Next Event: The Invitational at the Honors Course, September 15-16.
Background Context
The Carmel Cup has been a cornerstone event for college golfing teams since it began in 2011-12, drawing attention from various college programs across the country. It challenges golfers to perform under pressure at one of the top courses nationally. Vanderbilt’s consistent participation over the years has built a solid foundation for growth and competitive spirit. With Coach Scott Limbaugh leading the charge, this victory sets a promising tone for the teams’ efforts in the upcoming season.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Vanderbilt men’s golf team at the 2025 Carmel Cup?
The final score of the Vanderbilt men’s golf team at the 2025 Carmel Cup was 17-under 1,063.
Who were the top performers for Vanderbilt at the tournament?
The top performers for Vanderbilt were Michael Riebe (3rd place), Ryan Downes (4th place), and Wells Williams (6th place).
When and where is Vanderbilt’s next tournament?
Vanderbilt’s next tournament is The Invitational at the Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee, scheduled for September 15-16.
Is this the first time Vanderbilt has won the Carmel Cup?
Yes, this is the first time Vanderbilt has won the Carmel Cup after participating in it 11 times since its inception.
Chart: Key Features of Vanderbilt’s Victory at the 2025 Carmel Cup
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Team Ranking | No. 12 |
| Final Score | 17-under 1,063 |
| Scoring Format | Play-six, count-five |
| Top Scorer (3rd Place) | Michael Riebe, -10, 206 |
| Second Top Scorer (4th Place) | Ryan Downes, -8, 208 |
| Third Top Scorer (6th Place) | Wells Williams, -6, 210 |
| Next Event Date | September 15-16 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Emerges as Tennessee’s Autumn Travel Hotspot
Vanderbilt University Expands with New Campus Leases
Wells Williams Named to Fred Haskins Award Watch List
Vanderbilt Men’s Golf Team Prepares for Carmel Cup Challenge
Vanderbilt Soccer Suffers Narrow Loss to Memphis
Vanderbilt Women’s Soccer Triumphs Over Tennessee Tech
University School of Nashville Evacuated After Bomb Threat
Vanderbilt Women’s Soccer Secures 6-0 Victory Over Tennessee Tech
Vanderbilt Men’s Golf Team Earns All-Academic Recognition
Metro Nashville Public Schools Settles Major Lawsuits
Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt’s Strong Finish at Pebble Beach
- Wikipedia: Vanderbilt University
- Williams Named Preseason All-American
- Google Search: Vanderbilt men’s golf team
- Commodores Secure Victory at the Carmel Cup
- Google Scholar: College Golf Performance
- Dores Head West to Open New Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- More All-American Honors for Commodores
- Google News: Vanderbilt Golf
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
