The 2018 NCCAA Midwest Regional qualifier was played at Nob North Golf Course in Cohutta, Georgia, September 23rd – 25th. Heavy rains on Monday, September 24th caused a long rain delay, but the rains let up early enough to finish the first round. Over 5 inches of rain fell on the course Monday night, but it was still playable Tuesday morning with rains holding off enough to finish the second round. Nob North was fantastic as a host course in providing the support we needed to complete the event under such difficult conditions. The greenkeeper and the head professional did a superb job.
Campbellsville University earned the spot in the NCCAA National Championships shooting 316/301 for 617 over the two rounds for a 38 stroke win over Bluefield College and Oakland City University, who tied for second. Freshman Peyton Holland from Hiwassee College earned a qualifying spot as the lowest individual not on the championship team, shooting 74/79 for 153 over the two rounds to finish 2nd behind medalist Austin Mahoney of Campbellsville who shot 74/74 for 152 and a one-shot win.
Eagles golfers struggled to a 339 in the first round to stand 5th of 6 after the first round. Eagles came back with the second lowest second round score, shooting 326, for a total of 665, good for 4th of 6, but only 10 shots out of second place. Eagles captain, junior Aaron Minor, lead the Eagles with 80/77 for 157, good for 5th place, but only 5 shots out of first place. Minor earned his 3rd All-Tournament Team award in 4 tournaments so far this year. Sophomore Reece Ison shot 84/78 for 162 to finished T11th. Sophomore Isaiah Penley shot 87/82 for 169 to finish 19th, junior Brit Bowling shot 88/89 for 177 to finish T25th and freshman Korey Hanson shot 93/102 for 195 to finish 30th. Results are posted here.
With the loss of two players who can score in the low 70’s from last year, this is a rebuilding year for Eagles golf. Yet we are winning more trophies and finishing within striking distance of most teams right now. We have promising freshman players along with returning players who have the potential to develop into much stronger players. The future has never looked brighter for the Eagle’s men’s golf team.
The next tournament is Johnson University’s Royals Classic in Sevierville, Tennessee on October 19th and 20th.