Stallions qualify for national golf tournament

Published 1:00 pm Thursday, April 28, 2022

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will make its way back to the NJCAA Division II golf national championship next month after a strong showing at the Southeastern Championship.

Behind tournament low medalist Hagen Marion, the Stallions were second overall, despite a lengthy rain delay that limited the final round to nine holes. The tournament, held at Bristol Country Club, was played April 25-26.

Marion finished at -1 overall. The Stallions, 14th in Golfstat’s national rankings, shot 732 for the tournament, seven shots behind Walters State (Tenn.). Both teams qualified for nationals, along with third place Cleveland State (Tenn.).

“He played really well,” said head coach Larry Byrnes of Marion. “Brock (Barber) and Brady (Kotkiewicz) made the all-tournament team.” The latter pair finished in the top eight individually, according to scores on Golfstat.

Nationals are set for May 17-20 at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin, Mo. They finished 16th at last year’s national tournament in Indiana.

“We played well Monday afternoon,” Byrnes said. ABAC led going into the final round. After a good night’s sleep, they arrived at Bristol Country Club “Where it was pouring down rain,” he said. “You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face.”

The Stallions waited it out, even with a delay so lengthy they had to stay an extra night in Bristol. Byrnes and crew had finally made gotten back to familiar territory, Macon, at noon Wednesday.

“I’m pleased with these kids,” he said. “These are great kids and we’re excited about the national tournament.”