HUNTINGTON, W. Va. – The 2025-26 season kicked off with a bang for the Eastern Kentucky University men’s golf team. The Colonels made history at the Joe Feaganes Marshall Invitational, winning the tournament and breaking several program records.
EKU dominated the competition, finishing 10 strokes ahead with a score of 827 (-25). This score ranks as the second-best 54-hole total in program history, and it’s the best score achieved outside of Richmond. This win marks the first time EKU has taken first place outside Richmond since March 2018, a significant milestone for the team under head coach Pat Stephens.
One highlight was their second-round performance, where they shot an impressive 264 (-20), setting a new record for the best single round in school history. All five team members—Jackson Finney, Anders Larson, Justin Begley, Zach Watterson, and Jameson Corbin—finished under par that round, showcasing their solid teamwork.
Finney led the charge, finishing tied for second individually with a score of 205 (-8), just two shots shy of the individual medalist, Brody Simms from Cleveland State. Impressively, he improved his collegiate best by eight strokes. His tournament kicked off with an eagle on the 525-yard par-5 eighth hole, following that up with a stellar second round of 65 (-6), where he netted eight birdies.
Larson was close on his heels, finishing tied for fifth with a score of 206 (-7). His performance included a standout round of 67 (-4) and a tournament-best average of 4 on par-5 holes, demonstrating his prowess throughout the event.
Begley and Watterson also made solid contributions, both finishing tied for twelfth at 210 (-3). Begley’s second round featured an impressive eight birdies while Watterson set his own career-best with another 67 (-4).
The Colonels excelled on par-4 holes, averaging 3.94 over the tournament, with a score of 10-under par, which was 11 strokes better than the next best team. This performance illustrates their strength and strategy on the course.
As the team gears up for their next challenge, the Colonel Classic on September 20, their strong start sets a promising tone for the season ahead.
In recent years, Eastern Kentucky University’s golf program has shown steady growth. According to data from the NCAA, the average team scoring has steadily improved, reflecting the dedication and skill development within the team. This upward trend could suggest that we are witnessing a golden era for EKU golf.
For more insights into college golf programs and statistics, visit the NCAA website here.
