TEXARKANA, Ark.
– The Kennesaw State men’s golf team faced tough competition but fell 3-2 to Sam Houston in the semifinals of match play during the Conference USA Golf Championship at Texarkana Country Club.
KSU’s Claes Borregaard and Luca Gallingani each snagged wins with impressive performances. Borregaard dominated his match, racing to a 7-up lead through nine holes and finishing with an 8&6 win. Gallingani also held his ground, winning his match by just one point. Despite these victories, Sam Houston triumphed overall, claiming three matches, two of which went to extra holes.
The KSU team now awaits its fate for the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship, with the selection show set for April 30 at 1 p.m.
Quotable
“It was a heartbreaking loss today, but I’m proud of this team. They played exceptional golf, improving each day. It just wasn’t our day. That’s part of the sport we love. This challenge will only make us stronger moving forward,” said Head Coach Bryant Odom.
Matches like this show how competitive college golf can be. According to a recent survey by the Golf Coaches Association of America, more than 70% of college golf coaches believe that mental strength is just as crucial as skill on the course. Such insights highlight the pressure players face in high-stakes matches.
This year’s championship was especially meaningful as it marked a return to in-person events after disruptions caused by the pandemic. As more teams and fans gather, the energy in the air is palpable, showing just how vital sports are in bringing communities together.