OBU men’s golf takes first place at Spring Invite

By Kervy Robles, Sports Editor

Oklahoma Baptist men’s golf hosted the Spring Invite at the Shawnee Country Club last Tuesday.

Even though OBU had a rough start, the Bison reached the expectations.

“Our first day, the course played really tough with the wind and firm greens,” junior Dalton Rhoden said.

“Later, we were able to scrap out a round of 301 to give us the lead by one.”

The Bison finalized a score of 32- over par 600  (301, 299) during the two-day contest and Rhoden earned his first college- career win after registering a five- under par 66 on day two to finish three- under for the tournament with a 139 (73, 66).

In addition, Rhoden has been named the Great American Conference men’s golfer of the week thanks to his remarkable performance as only competitor to finish under par through two rounds at the Spring Invite.

“Coach Posada [Drew] has been having us do a lot of wedge work which has really been a key factor in allowing me to go low,” Rhoden said.

“I have started using some different wedges around the green, and that has helped me get it close enough for stress free pars.”

For the win, freshman Ryan Epperly made a splash with a tie for 21st place and 35- hole score of 160 (82,78) while junior Luke Garner (T24) had a 161 (84,77). Finally, sophomore Shane Black (T35) contributed a 175 (89,86).

As a team, the Bison won the tournament with nine strokes claiming the first place and head coach Drew Posada sets big expectations for the team.

“We have a pretty good chance to go out and finish top two or even win if we play well,” Posada said. “The expectations are high but it all depends on the guys if they can stay focused for three rounds out there.”

In the same way, the Bison are optimistic facing the GAC tournament scheduled between the 23 and 25 of April.

“With this first place accomplished, we have some confidence and momentum going on toward the GAC tournament,” Rhoden said.

“We all want to play well for our senior Kyle Perdew and the bragging right of being the best team in the conference.”
  The Bison will travel to Host Spring, Arkansas in search to close spring season with an important win at the Great American Conference Championship with a time to be released soon.