Led by a top-30 finish from Luke Koenig, three Eagles finished in the top 40 of a loaded field at the first Valero Texas Collegiate at TPC San Antonio.
The event featured some of the finest college golfers in the country as well as some storied golf programs in the NCAA, with the individual winner of the tournament receiving an exemption into the 2024 Valero Texas Open. Of the 12 teams in the field, 10 were selected by the NCAA Regionals a year ago and four of those teams advanced to the National Championship round.
The Eagles finished the tournament strong, shooing a 293 on the final day with low scores across the board. Koenig started the final round on hole 10 and shot a five-under 31 with five birdies en route to a four-under and career-low 68. Brantley Baker shot an even-par 72 in the final round with three birdies and freshman Brycen Jones carded four birdies on the final day to post a one-over 73.
Koenig led the way in the tournament with a 219 (+3) to finish tied for 27th. Jones shot a 221 (+5) in his collegiate debut to finished tied for 33rd while newcomer Reece Coleman (222) and Brantley Baker (223) also finished in the top 50.
Quote from Coach Carter Collins:
"There are positives to take away but a lot to work on as well. The team played very solid and disciplined team golf for the majority of each round, but we did not finish those first two rounds off and it held us back this week. As each of these guys and this team continue to gain experience it will lead to special things throughout this season."
Scores
Team – 299-302-293=894 (+30), 12
Luke Koenig – 75-76-68=219, T27
Brycen Jones – 73-75-73=221, T33
Reece Coleman – 71-76-75=222, T38
Brantley Baker – 78-73-72=223, T46
Parker Claxton – 77-78-73=228, T61
Luke Dasher – 79-79-80=238, 71
Next Up
The Eagles head to Cashiers, North Carolina, for the JT Poston Collegiate at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley on Sept. 25 and 26.
