The Kennesaw State men’s and women’s golf teams concluded their seasons in May, improving both individually and collectively to have successful seasons.
The women’s team finished its 2018 season by winning the ASUN Conference Championship and earning a place in the NCAA regionals, breaking records in the conference and winning several postseason awards.
During the season, the Owls tied for first at the Ladies Fall Intercollegiate Invitational and were constantly in contention in others, finishing the season ranked within the top 50 in the nation for the first time in program history. At the ASUN Championship, Madison Caldwell won the individual title with a 1-over-par 145, helping the team secure the overall victory.
The Owls also broke a team record for the lowest total score shot in an NCAA regional. Roanne Tomlinson led the way with a 1-over-par 217, marking the third time she had been top finisher for the Owls during the season.
“I could not be more proud of this team and all they’ve accomplished,” head coach Rhyll Brinsmead said. “They will be the first team in program history to finish the season ranked inside the top 50, win an ASUN championship and shoot a postseason 54-hole scoring record. It is amazing to reflect on what we have accomplished this year and the foundation for the future.”
Several players won individual awards including the ASUN Women’s Golfer of the Year, won by Caldwell, and ASUN Coach of the Year, won by Brinsmead for the fourth time. Along with Caldwell, Tomlinson and Henriette Nielsen were also chosen for the ASUN first team all-conference team. Caldwell finished the season as the top-ranked player in the conference at 74th in the nation.
The men’s team concluded its season with a 12th place finish at the NCAA Stockton Regional that finished May 16 at The Preserve at Spanos Park in Stockton, California.
The competition capped a season in which the Owls recorded seven top-five finishes and three runner-up showings, making their eighth straight NCAA postseason appearance and third under head coach Bryant Odom.
Although the Owls finished fourth at the ASUN Conference Championships and 12th at the NCAA regional, they showed their true abilities during the regular season. The Owls posted their best round of the fall in the final round of the Franklin American Intercollegiate, carding a combined 6-under-par 282, while their best 54-hole score came at the Steelwood Collegiate Invitational when they recorded a 3-over-par 867.
“This was a bit of a roller coaster year compared to last season, but I am extremely proud of our efforts this week,” Odom said. “The scores here are not accurate reflections of our talent or will. These guys fought hard until the end and we can all walk away with our heads high.”
The men’s golf program has established itself at the national level in recent years, winning the previous two conference titles. The team was rewarded for their hard work as four players earned ASUN Conference postseason honors.
Junior Jake Fendt was a unanimous selection for the all-conference first team and was voted for the all-academic team. Juniors Wyatt Larkin and Pablo Rodriguez-Tabernero Torres were named second team all-conference, and Brady Keran earned ASUN Conference all-freshman team honors.
With both teams having many returning players next season, expectations will be high to succeed once again.
