The ACU golf team finished sixth at the Southland Conference Championship in McKinney this week. The tournament was held at the Stone Bridge Ranch Country Club, a 72 par challenge with a length of 7,219 yards.
ACU finished with a final score of 902 points (+38) after three completed rounds. McNeese State won the tournament with a finishing score of 877 points (+13); followed by runner-up Southeastern Louisiana with 884 points (+20) and third-place finisher, Sam Houston State, with 885 points (+21).
Head coach Tom Shaw, said even though the team finished higher by one spot last year, he thought the team’s performance this year was better.
“We showed what the potential of this team is with our play in Round 1 (being in second place),” Shaw said. “We didn’t have the firepower to that last year, so I’m excited for the future.”
One key player for next year’s team will be stand out freshman Garrett Glanton. Shaw said Glanton has an extra gear that is tough to match when he gets it going.
“Garrett is a very dynamic player and can overpower a golf course when he gets hot,” Shaw said.
Glanton, who finished tied for ninth this week (+5), said the team put together a really nice first round, but struggled the second round.
“The toughest aspect was not knowing how much golf we were going to get in on a day to day basis,” Glanton said. “Showing up to the course on the first day, not knowing if we were even going to play golf, then having to play 36 (holes) was definitely exhaustion.”
Senior Dillon Vaughn finished tied for 15th (+8), said his greatest strength this week was his short game.
“I really chipped the ball well,” Vaughn said. “I rolled it nicely too.”
Vaughn competed in his final collegiate career tournament this week and he was very happy to have had the opportunity to play as a Div. I college golfer.
“This program means a great deal to me,” Vaughn said. “Everyone in the athletics department has been very nice and welcoming to everyone, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity to play for such a great University.”
“He is our team leader on and off the course,” Shaw said. “Dillon is such a steady influence with the guys and keeps the team chemistry brewing at just the right level. Dillon will be sorely missed.”
As the team looks to the 2016-2017 season, Shaw looks to build and prepare his Div. I team for the fall.
“I am looking forward to playing with the recruits we have in coming for next year,” Glanton said. “It was tough to see Dillon Vaughn graduate because he has been our most constant player all year, but I think that our recruits will be a good addition to next year’s team.”
