EKU Men’s Golf Claims Second Place at the Colonel Classic: A Stellar Performance by Eastern Kentucky University Athletes!

Richmond, Ky – The Eastern Kentucky University men’s golf team just wrapped up a strong showing at the Colonel Classic, finishing in second place. This is their second top-five finish in consecutive tournaments.

Over the course of 54 holes at the University Club at Arlington, the Colonels shot a collective -12 (828). They fell short by five strokes to Longwood, who won with a score of -17 (823).

In the final round, the Colonels were 15 shots behind, but they rallied impressively, shooting -10 as a team. Their effort cut the lead down to just two strokes at one point, though they couldn’t quite catch Longwood.

Junior Zach Watterson stood out, tying for third individually with a score of -4 (206). His final round was flawless, with par or better on every hole.

Justin Begley also had a notable tournament. He secured his first top-10 finish of the season, ending tied for sixth at -3 (207). He opened with an even-par 70 and followed it up with rounds of -2 and -1.

Redshirt freshman Hristo Yanakiev made a significant leap, finishing tied for 10th at -2 (208). After starting the last round at +2, he finished strong with a score of 66 (-4).

Anders Larson added to the team’s success, completing the event in 13th place at -1 (209), contributing to EKU’s total score.

Looking ahead, the Colonels will compete next at the Nemacolin Collegiate Invitational, hosted by West Virginia in Pittsburgh, at the Mystic Rock Golf Course designed by Pete Dye.

### Insights into Golf Performance Trends

Interestingly, college golf is seeing a rise in competitive play. A 2023 survey from the NCAA revealed that men’s golf participation increased by 5% over the past five years. This highlights a growing interest in the sport at the collegiate level. Experts suggest that improved coaching and support for athletes could be factors in this trend.

As the Colonels sharpen their skills, coach Mike Whitson emphasizes the importance of mental resilience. “Golf is as much about the mind as it is about the physical ability,” he stated. This focus can be crucial as they prepare for future competitions.

The enthusiasm from fans and fellow students can also drive performance. Social media buzz around the team’s achievements showcases the increasing support, which can bolster the athletes’ spirits during challenging rounds.

As the team moves forward, they aim to build on their successes and continue pushing each other to new heights.



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