Junior Wesley McClain took the lead for the Cougars at the Morris Williams Invitational in Austin this weekend. He made two birdies on his front and back nine, posting his second round of par or better at the tournament.
The Cougars tied for eighth place as they concluded their final tournament of the regular season.
“I had a lot of confidence coming off of our past couple of events,” McClain said. “I hit the ball really well, on a golf course that required good ball striking. I made a lot of commitment golf swings which always helps hit the ball where you want to.”
McClain posted a 1-under-par-70 in the final round, moving him up to tie for 11th. A birdie on his final hole helped the Cougars tie with Baylor for eighth place.
Other members of the squad who participated in the tournament were sophomore Roman Robledo and freshman Vincent Martino, who tied for 36th, sophomore Kyle Pilgrim, who tied for 39th, and juniors Curtis Reed and Bryn Flanagan.
McClain said that guidance from the team’s coaches and closeness amongst the players keeps them motivated to perform well.
“Our coaches really helped in the rounds with getting good yardage to holes,” McClain said. “We are a very close team, and everyone wants everyone to play well.”
Head coach Jonathan Dismuke said the team is learning from their experience and is concentrating on gearing up for what’s ahead.
“It was a tough golf course,” Dismuke said. “We didn’t finish like we wanted, but we’re going to work hard in practice this week.”
The coach is remaining level-headed and says the team will take care of what they have control over in order for the team to do well in their upcoming postseason tournament.
The Cougars will open the Conference USA Championship at the Texarkana Country Club on April 21 in Texarkana, Ark., for the final time before a move to the American Athletic Conference next season.
“Everybody wants to win,” Dismuke said. Our main goal is to handle our business, feel confident going in and to do good in the practice round. If we do a good job, then I think we’ll have a chance.”
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