ALEXANDRIA, La. – The Alabama State men’s golf team won its third straight SWAC Championship Wednesday at Oak Wing Golf Club.
After taking a big lead on day one and expanding it on day two, the Hornets shot a team score of three-over par 291 to finish the week with a score of 865, setting a school record.
“They’re a young group, but you can see the maturity in them,” said three-time SWAC Men’s Golf Coach of the Year Dr. Gary Grandison, whose SWAC Tournament team consisted of one junior, three sophomores, and one freshman. “As they grow, they’re recognizing they can do something special if we learn what golf is really about. It’s more than just swing mechanics. They are actually starting to figure things out. Hopefully we can keep growing together.”
Brandon Ferrier won low medalist honors for the second straight year, with a one-under par 71 on the final day to finish with a three-day total of 12-under par 204, also setting a school record.
“From the moment I step on the property, I feel really comfortable playing here, especially based on last year’s results,” Ferrier said. “I love the greens, so anytime you have confidence in and around the greens, it makes golf a little bit easier. These championships are big for our program. It shows the direction we are heading, especially winning by the margin we did this year. We’re definitely excited about the upcoming PGA Minority Collegiate Tournament and the NCAA Regionals.”
Yann Pfeiffer matched Ferrier’s final round score and finished tied with Francis Berthiaume with two-over par 218. All three players earned first-team All-SWAC Honors. Ian Mmbando shot three-over 75 to finish with a score of 228 to earn second-team All-SWAC honors. Jose Rodriguez shot 83 on Wednesday to finish at 237. Playing as an individual, Dan Park shot 239.
“It was a team effort. Everyone shot at least one round that went toward the overall score that we needed to break the record,” Dr. Grandison said. “I’m very proud of these guys for the work they put in. They are showing they can compete. Hopefully we can gear up and get ready for postseason play.”
The Hornets will return to action May 9 in the PGA Minority Golf Championship.
