By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls men's golf program competed across three teams at the Augustana Invitational on April 6 at Elmwood Golf Course, with the Cougars' A team leading the way with a tie for third-place finish in a nine-team field. USF A posted a two-round total of 584 (+22), finishing alongside South Dakota Mines and just two strokes off the tournament lead.
The Cougars' B team placed sixth at 598 (+46), while the C team finished ninth at 614 (+73). Across all three squads, Sioux Falls showed strong improvement in the second round, highlighted by multiple low rounds and a podium finish from Jadan Ford.
Tournament Snapshot
- Top Cougar Finish: Jadan Ford – 3rd (+2, 70-76=146)
- Lowest Round: 70 (Jadan Ford R1, Charlie Hanson R2)
- Team Best Round: 292 (USF A – Round 2)
- Tournament Champion: Augustana University A / University of Mary B (+20)
- Number of Teams: 9
How It Happened
Sioux Falls battled through a challenging opening round before responding with a much stronger second 18 across all three teams. The A team set the tone with a 292 in round two, climbing into a tie for third and closing the gap on the tournament leaders. Consistent scoring throughout the lineup allowed USF A to remain in contention throughout the day.
The B team also showed noticeable improvement in round two, led by Dawson Ringler's 73, while the C team saw steady play from its top contributors to round out the field. The afternoon round proved to be the difference-maker for the Cougars, as several players shaved strokes and gained valuable momentum heading into postseason play.
Top Cougar Performers
Ford delivered the top performance for Sioux Falls, finishing third overall at 146 (+2). He opened with an impressive 70 (-2), the lowest round by a Cougar on the day, and followed with a 76 to secure a top-three finish.
Hanson made one of the biggest moves of the tournament, rebounding from an 80 in round one with a 70 in round two to finish tied for 10th at 150 (+6). Ringler led the B team with a tie for seventh-place finish at 149 (+5), highlighted by a strong 73 in his final round.
Lenards and Nutter added depth for the A team, each finishing tied for 16th at 152 (+8), while Solheim rounded out the A team scorers at 154 (+10). Across all three teams, the Cougars saw multiple players deliver improved second rounds, signaling positive momentum moving forward.
Cougar Scorecard
Coach's Corner
"The guys bounced back on the second 18 after a very poor opening round. I was excited to see Jadan Ford play well after having to withdraw last week with a back injury. And Charlie finally shook out of his recent slump with solid final round. Also, it was good to see Ty play well after missing last week with illness."
- Head Coach Wade Merry
Up Next
Sioux Falls will turn its attention to the NSIC Championships, scheduled for April 17–19 at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Mo., where the Cougars will look to carry their late-round momentum into postseason play.
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