As the ACU golf program enters the spring season, it’s time to look at what we can expect from the nationally ranked Wildcats.
After a good fall season, the Wildcats enter this season ranked 24th in the nation. The fall session brought four top-10 finishes in tournaments, three of which were in the top five.
“We are all really excited about this season,” said freshman Alex Carpenter. “We have a great team.”
Some who were rookies in the fall now look like pros. Freshman Adam Carpenter and his brother, Alex, picked up wins at tournaments in the fall; Alex won his first collegiate tournament, while Adam took his second.
“Playing alongside my brother is great,” Adam said. “We are definitely living the life out on the golf course.”
The seasoned veteran on the Wildcat squad is junior Cyril Bouniol. Bouniol had three top-10 finishes as a sophomore and will look to add to that number this spring. Last year, Bouniol finished tied for 14th at the Lone Star Conference Championships, shooting a career-best 68 in the opening round.
With this talent, the Wildcats’ expectations are high.
“Our goal is definitely to win nationals,” Alex said. “I know we can do it; we just have to continue to grow as a team.”
Other players who will vie for the final two starting spots include junior Charles Levitte, junior transfer Tyler Sheppard and sophomore Morgan Johnson.
Johnson also has a tournament win under his belt. Playing independently, Johnson won the DustDevil Open during the spring semester of his freshman year.
The Wildcats have already played one tournament this spring, finishing 12th. Playing against a strong field, the ‘Cats found themselves in last place after the first day, but with strong second and third rounds, the Wildcats were able to come back and finish respectably.
“We as a team look forward to strengthening our team unity to hopefully bring back a second National Championship to ACU,” Johnson said. “We have a great group of talented players that God gave us the opportunity to play for ACU and give him the glory.”
The Wildcats should finish their second tournament on Wednesday in Thackerville, Okla. The first day of the Red River Intercollegiate Tournament, however, was shortened by pouring rain and 20 mph winds. The Wildcats were able to play 14 holes before the weather forced a postponement.
