Valociek captures Steelwood Collegiate title

LOXLEY, Ala. – Kobe Valociek signed for an 11-under 205 to capture the Steelwood Collegiate, which concluded Sunday at Steelwood Country Club (par 72, 7,032 yards).

Valociek, who put together rounds of 70, 69 and 66, becomes the first Virginia Tech men’s golfer to win an individual title since teammate Daniel Azallion won the 2021 Oldfield Invitational. Valociek’s final-round 66 was highlighted by a hole-out eagle at the par-4 fifth hole. The Peoria, Ariz., native finished 7-under on par-4s and 6-under on par-5s for the weekend.

Powered by Valociek’s win, Virginia Tech placed fifth in the team standings at 7-over 871 (292-296-283). The Hokies benefited from three red-figure rounds during Sunday’s final round. In addition to Valociek, Charlie Hanson fired a 3-under 69 and Azallion brought home a 2-under 70. Azallion tied for 20th at the two-day event with a 2-over 218.

Alabama cruised to the team title with an 11-under 853 (284-284-285), eight strokes ahead of Chattanooga. Memphis (+2) and Kentucky (+3) placed third and fourth, respectively.

Valociek edged Kentucky’s Alex Goff and Chattanooga’s John Houk by one shot for medalist honors.

Tech is next in action Feb. 5-6 at the Battle at Briar’s Creek in Johns Island, S.C.