Oklahoma Christian University men’s golf team was battered by winds of up to 20 mph and temperatures in the 30s at the San Antonio Shoot-Out — the team’s first tournament of the year.
On Monday, the Eagles tied for fourth with the University of Central Oklahoma and Rogers State University with a score of 330. Shots improved on Tuesday, recording a 317 and resulting in another tie for fourth with Dallas Baptist University.
Although the playing conditions were not ideal, Men’s Golf Head Coach David Lynn said Sam Johnston performed well.
“Sam’s round today was exceptional,” Lynn said. “He was 5-over through five holes and to finish at 4-over is a direct testament to all of the hard mental work he has been putting in.”
Chase Esparza placed 15th with an 82 on Monday, while Jared Consoli recorded an 83, tying for 22nd. Trey Payne shot 85 for 35th place, and Kevin Workman and Grady Neal tied for 39th shooting an 86. Zac Schaefer shot an 87 and placed 45th.
“My focus for the tournament is to play to the best of my abilities,” Esparza said before the contest. “I have prepared by fine-tuning my game on and off the course everyday, physically and mentally.”
On day two of the tournament, the teams relocated to AT&T’s Oaks Course, which is also where the PGA hosts the Valero Texas Open. With all of the starters improving from the previous day’s scores, the Eagles finished fourth place and Johnston received his sixth individual title.
“It was impressive to watch,” Lynn said. “His mental attitude is rapidly improving every week. I love to see his work pay dividends.”
Making his collegiate debut, Neal shot an 82, ranking 41st place of the 77, while Esparza recorded 169 with an 87, tying for 43rd. Consoli improved yesterday’s score to finish at 163 with a score of 80, tying for 15th, while Payne also shot 80 for 26th place.
According to Esparza, there are areas for improvement before the next tournament.
“[We] could work on being more mentally prepared,” Esparza said. “Our goal this year is to win conference.”
Oklahoma and Midwestern State tied for the title with a score of 635. Incarnate Word recorded 646, securing third place, and Oklahoma Christian tied with Dallas Baptist with 647.
The Eagles will travel to Las Vegas for their seventh tournament of the season at the Desert Classic at Pauite Golf Club on March 2-3.
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