Editor’s note: With several sports going on, Wildcat Wrap serves as a recap that focuses on the Arizona programs that we do not have the time to cover on a regular basis but are certainly worthy of recognition.
Arizona men’s golfer Filip Jakubcik lived out a life goal last week by competing at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
The rising senior shot a 6-over par for the first two rounds and missed the weekend cut. The experience was nevertheless a huge accomplishment for a collegiate golfer who comes from a country (Czech Republic) that produces few professional golfers compared to America and much of Europe.
Jakubcik qualified for The Open by winning the European Amateur Championship in June.
ready to have a day on the biggest stage.
best of luck to our very own Filip Jakubcik as he takes on @TheOpen this week! pic.twitter.com/YljcV6w6l3
— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) July 16, 2025
He told ArizonaWildcats.com that played in The Open was a longtime aspiration of his.
“Playing in a major was always a goal of mine,” Jakubcik told the site. “But growing up, The Open was always the tournament I wanted to play in the most.”
Jakubcik was a First Team All-Big 12 performer as a junior. He led Arizona with a 71.00 scoring average.
Men’s tennis
Another Wildcat making for himself professionally is Colton Smith. The two-time All-American graduated from Arizona this spring and has since competed in tournaments in Europe and North America.
Smith most recently took part in the Citi Open in Washington D.C., where he won back-to-back qualifiers to make the main field of 64.
In the opening round yesterday, Smith lost to fellow American Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-1. Smith held his own in the first set and was at one point leading before McDonald shut him down.
Smith’s next major tournament will likely be the Cincinnati Open, which is a precursor to the U.S. Open. The tournament runs August 7-18, and the U.S. Open begins a week later.
Swimming and diving
Former Arizona swimmer Kevin Cordes was named to the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame 2025 class.
Cordes competed at Arizona from 2011-15, winning four NCAA individual national championships in 100-yard breaststroke and 200-yard breaststroke. The Naperville, Illinois native was twice named NCAA Swimmer of the Year.
Cordes went on to set American records in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke (long course). He was a member of Team USA 2016 Olympic team. He finished fourth in the 100-meter breaststroke.
Miscellaneous
Arizona Athletics announced this week it is partnering with DUSK Music Festival to elevate gameday experiences for home football and basketball games.
A new concert series called ‘Bear Down Bash’ will feature 14 live concert events in conjunction with Arizona football and basketball events, the athletic department said.
The partnership will feature both local talent as well as national artists. More information can be found here.