Cowboy Classic
McCrory co-champ, Kats secure second
4/5/2016 6:17:00 PM | Men's Golf
Playing in its final regular-season tournament before the Southland Conference Championship in two weeks, the Sam Houston State men's golf program created a surge of momentum heading into postseason competition.
The Bearkats fired a 13-under, 851, the third lowest 54-hole round in team history, while finishing second at the Wyoming Cowboy Classic from Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Ariz. Meanwhile, Sam Houston's opening 36-hole mark of 558 ranked just one stroke off the program best.
“We had a really good two and a half weeks off where we really prepared hard,” fourth-year head coach Brandt Kieschnick said. “We had tournament situations each week. They had been shooting a lot of low scores in practice. With a year worth of tournament experience and quality practices, we really positioned ourselves to compete. This is the best I've seen all five play together.”
Sam Houston's Jake McCrory was crowned individual co-champion, shooting an 11-under, 205, tied for the fourth lowest score in team history. The sophomore shot an opening-round 66, tied for the eighth-lowest single round, while following up with a 68 and 71.
“He made a bunch of birdies and he made maybe three bogies,” Kieschnick said. “That's the best I've seen him control the ball and putt. He made a good decision on every shot. He has been playing good these last three events. It was an extension of his good practices.”
Teammate Mason Weld (73-68-73) finished tied for 16th at 2-under, 214, and Andrew Ertel (71-74-72) took a 28th-place tie at 1-over, 217. Camden DeBonis (72-75-77) and Jesse Massengale (71-68-85) finished in a six-way tie for 66th at 8-over, 224.
“This week was big because we talked about feeling what it was like to have a lead,” Kieschnick said. “There are three brand new freshmen in the lineup. As well as what it's like to play the last round. We got off to a slow start but the guys really performed well. We're ready for conference. Now, they know they can win at this level.”
Over the Bearkats last six rounds, the squad has shot 26-under including a fourth-place finisher at the Border Olympics a week ago. Arguably, the most impressive part of the feat is that Sam Houston's regular starting five has includes three freshmen, one sophomore and a junior.
“We knew this year was going to be a rebuild,” Kieschnick said. “There is a way we play that it takes time to adjust. The way we play will lead to wins. I am really excited how quick they've learned it. These are 18-year old freshmen. These guys are figuring out how to compete each week.”
Colorado won the team title with a team score of 843 while host Wyoming finished one stroke behind the Kats at 852. McCrory finished tied with Jeremy Paul (Colorado), Brandon Bauman (UC Santa Barbara) and Jordan Gumberg (Arizona).
Sam Houston will seek to defend its two-straight Southland Conference titles at the league championship, one week from Monday from Stonebridge Country Club in McKinney. Another win at the event would be the Bearkats fifth overall.
