The Abilene Christian golf team competed in the Dornick Hills Classic in Ardmore, Oklahoma the past two days, battling for first place yet again against Central Oklahoma. Both teams are ranked very highly among the Division II teams, and their constant fight to the top remains the theme of each tournament this season.
After Monday’s rounds, the Wildcats staked their claim at second place with two rounds of 293 and 293 for total of 587, while the Bronchos led the tournament with 287 and 292 for a total of 579.
In the Charles Coody West Texas Intercollegiate tournament in Abilene last week, ACU led the leaderboards after day one. UCO shot well enough on day two to overcome the close margin. At this week’s tournament, the Bronchos kept the lead both days, pulling away 26 shots ahead of the Wildcats.
Coach Mike Campbell said that playing against good teams like UCO better prepares the Wildcats for the spring season, which paves the road to nationals. “It’s really good experience for the younger players,” Campbell said. “Everything we do gets us in a better position to achieve our ultimate goal this spring.”
The ‘Cats came in second behind the Bronchos, who finished at 884, beating the third place St. Edwards team by two strokes. Arkansas-Fort Smith fell at fourth at 895, and Cameron in fifth at 897.
Monday’s individual rankings came out with freshman Corbin Renner tied at third at 3-over-par 143, (73-70) sophomore Trey Sullivan tied for fifth at 5-over-par 145, (70-75) and junior Alex Carpenter tied for 15th at 9-over-par 149 (75-74).
Despite the first rounds, Carpenter showed up Tuesday prepared to come back, ultimately leading the Wildcats at seventh place. He finished at 1-over-par 71 with a total of 210 points. “I didn’t play my best on Monday,” said Carpenter. “I was able to come back on Tuesday and play very well, and I’m very happy to finish on top for ACU.”
Andrew Green of Central Oklahoma won the individual championship finishing at 1-under-par 209. Corbin Renner finished tied for ninth at 221, sophomore Trey Sullivan tied for 18th at 225, and Ian Evans tied for 20th at 226.
“Each tournament is a chance for our players to grow,” Campbell said. “After a great start in these past two contests, we’re looking forward to our next tournament in a couple of weeks.”
The golf team will return October 10-11 at the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational in Amarillo, Texas.
