Men's Golf Finish Strong on Day Two at Turkey Creek Tournament

Men's Golf Finish Strong on Day Two at Turkey Creek Tournament
September 18, 2024

Goodwell, Okla: The Aggies men's golf team competed in the Turkey Creek Tournament, which was hosted by Central Christian College on Monday and Tuesday.

After a tough first day, where the Aggies posted a +35over par, they made a remarkable comeback on day two, firing a team-best +9 (289), the day's lowest score. Despite the surge, the Aggies finished 8th overall.

Key Highlights:

  • Jayden Ng recorded an impressive bounce-back performance on day two, firing an even-par 70 to lead the team's charge. His bogey-free back nine, capped by birdies on the 14th and 16th holes.
  • Caleb White provided a standout moment with an eagle on the par-5 9th hole during the second round, which fueled his much-improved one-over-par 72 performance. This eagle was crucial in shifting momentum for the team's second solid day.
  • Paul Mercado played across both rounds, finishing with a birdie on the 9th in round one and two more birdies in the second round, contributing to his team's low score on day two.

Player Scorecards:

Jayden Ng Total: +6

  • Round 1: 76 (+6) Four bogeys, parred last four holes to stay steady.
  • Round 2: 70 (E) Birdied holes 14 and 16, bogey-free back nine.

Paul Mercado Total: +9

  • Round 1: 77 (+7) Three bogeys, birdied par-5 9th.
  • Round 2: 72 (+2) Two bogeys early but rebounded with birdies on the 7th and 11th holes.

Caleb White Total: +14

  • Round 1: 82 (+12) Struggled with a double bogey on the 8th, five bogeys on the front nine.
  • Round 2: 72 (+2) Highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 9th, plus birdies on holes 5 and 14.

Lance Addington Total: +18

  • Round 1: 83 (+13) Bogeys on the 10th and 14th stayed steady on the back nine.
  • Round 2: 75 (+5) Birdied the 17th and cleaned up the front nine with only one bogey.

Thantup Saengvut Total: +19

  • Round 1: 80 (+10) Five bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine, but managed a birdie on the 11th.
  • Round 2: 79 (+9) Stayed steady with bogeys on the 7th and 12th, held the score in check on the front nine.

Head coach Zach Homer reflected on the team's performance after the meet, stating, "We started slow in the first round but then woke up in the final round and got after it. We shot the lowest final round team score by 3 strokes in a 14-team field, which was a huge comeback for us. Two freshmen led the way, playing greatJayden Ng and Paul Mercado."

Looking Ahead:

The next tournament is at Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, NM, where they will compete in the University of the Southwest Invitational from October 7 to 8.