Golf team shoots back-to-back sub-900 scores after school-record performance last week
After shooting a school record 861 to earn a fourth place finish last week at the Great American Conference Preview, the Bisons golf team was back in action Sept. 22-23 at the 16th annual Northeastern State Classic (NSU).
The Bisons followed up their school record performance with another strong showing at the NSC, shooting a team score of 896, which gave them back-to-back sub-900 stroke tournaments for the first time in program history and fifth place overall in a competitive field of 18 teams.
Head coach Dustin Howell said that this week was a good indicator of where they stand in regards to the other teams in the GAC.
“For us to finish fifth in such a competitive field is an amazing start to our season,” Howell said. “It’s a big step towards reaching the region tournament which is one of our main goals this year.”
Harding was led by junior Alex Williamson, a 2nd team All-GAC selection in 2013, who shot a 2-under 69, followed by rounds of 74 and 73 to finish 3rd overall. Williamson, whose current stroke average of 70.00 ranks 21st in all of NCAA DII, has beaten 160 of the 163 individual golfers he has faced in the season’s first two tournaments.
“I played really well in this tournament,” Williamson said. “To finish top three in a field with this many quality guys gives me a lot of confidence going forward. I’ve gotten off to a really good start this year, better than I expected. Back-to-back top fives is definitely something I’m pleased with.”
Williamson’s play has been a big lift through the first few weeks for the Bisons, and Howell said they will be leaning on more strong efforts from Williamson in the future.
“Alex is an anchor,” Howell said. “We count on him for every round. It’s early but if he can keep up this level of play it would be huge, both for him from an individual standpoint and for our team.”
The Bisons snagged their fifth place spot by finishing strong in the final round on Tuesday with the help of sub-par rounds from sophomore Brad Lamb and freshman Mason Banger, who both shot 1-under 70. Williamson said that this kind of early season momentum is just what they need to make a push for regionals.
“Our number one goal is to make the regional tournament,” Williamson said. “That’s been our goal since I’ve been here, but it’s something we really think we can do this year.”
The men’s golf team will look to continue their strong play next Monday and Tuesday in the Texacoma Championship at the Chickasaw Pointe Golf Course in Durant, Okla.
