One of the coolest experiences as a college student is being able to travel out of state. It is even better when you get to go for free and compete with another team.
The Hardin-Simmons University golf teams took one of their longest and farthest trips during the first week of April from Abilene to North Plains, Ore. The men’s and women’s golf teams both finished fifth at the Pacific Invite. HSU Athletics reported the scores after the tournament:
“Bobby Johnson led the Cowboys and finished in tenth overall after two rounds with 75-78-153. Jonathon Hester hit 83-78-161 for Hardin-Simmons and Luke Jun shot 83-80-163 to finish the match. Jack Estes shot 91-76-167 for the Cowboys. Riley Leonard led the Cowgirls with a round of 85 coming in No. 14 individually. Alexi Buff shot a 90 alongside Jocelyn Dominguez, also at 90 on the day for the Cowgirls. Kalyn Otten shot 91 and Brooke Woolridge went for 96 for Hardin-Simmons.”
Jonathan Hester, a junior accounting major from Decatur, reflected on this opportunity.
“It was really cool to play the same course that Tiger Woods won the 1996 U.S Amateur Open on three times in a row,” Hester said. “It was also one of the most beautiful courses I have ever played on, definitely worth it being the longest I have been on with the golf team.”
As beautiful as the course was, it presented a challenge to the golfers. The team had to adapt to different course conditions in Oregon. “It was pretty different, we all had to adjust to the different grass that was used on the course, everything was always a little damp, but it was nice that there was not much wind,” Hester said.
Both teams played incredibly well, posting some of their best scores all around. Each team is excited about the ASC Championship that will be held for three rounds beginning on April 29 at the Nutcracker Golf Club in Granbury.