RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University men's golf team completed its first weekend of the 2023-24 season as runner-ups at the Colonel Shootout on Friday afternoon at The University Club at Arlington.
EKU's 848 (+4) three-round total was seven shots behind champion Belmont and one stroke ahead of in-state conference foe Bellarmine. The Colonels also finished five shots above Austin Peay in the final tally.
The Colonels were led by
Justin Begley and
Pablo Carrascosa Vivas, who both placed tied for 10th with a three-round total of 210 (E). The duo combined for 23 birdies over the course of the event.
As an individual participant, redshirt junior
Joe Benton placed third with a 207 (-3) score and a career-low 67 first round. His 207 three-round total was the lowest of his collegiate career by six strokes. The Irvine, Ky. product shot an eagle at the fourth hole in round two and added an additional 12 birdies to his card throughout the 54-hole tournament.
Rounding out the remainder of the Colonels' scorecard,
Kannon Tucker and
Zach Watterson both placed tied for 20th with 214 (+4) in their EKU debuts. Redshirt junior
Reese Sexton finished tied for 44th place with a 220 (+10).
Next up for EKU is the Golfweek Fall Challenge in Pawley's Island, S.C. at True Blue Golf Course from Sept. 10-12.
2nd. EKU | 285-283-280 = 848
T10.
Justin Begley | 70-72-68 = 210
T10.
Pablo Carrascosa Vivas | 71-72-67 = 210
T20.
Kannon Tucker | 74-69-71 = 214
T20.
Zach Watterson | 74-70-70 = 214
T44.
Reese Sexton | 70-76-74 = 220
Individuals
T3.
Joe Benton | 67-71-69 = 207
T33.
Gehrig Sexton | 71-69-76 = 216
T35.
Isaac Meador | 74-68-75 = 217
T65.
Malik Dao | 75-78-72 = 225
T72.
Deacon Pinson | 74-76-78 = 228
T72.
Jason Kolbas | 77-76-75 = 228
Team Results
1. Belmont (841)
2. EKU (848)
3. Bellarmine (849)
4. IUPUI (852)
5. Austin Peay (853)
6. Northern Kentucky (854)
7. Purdue Fort Wayne (858)
8. Robert Morris (864)
9. Alabama State (888)
10. Tennessee State (905)
11. Campbellsville Harrodsburg (911)
12. Chicago State (921)
