Oklahoma Men’s Golf Triumphs at Valero Texas Collegiate
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Oklahoma men’s golf team overcame a narrow deficit to clinch the team title at the second annual Valero Texas Collegiate, held at the prestigious TPC San Antonio on Monday. The eighth-ranked Sooners, who entered the final round trailing No. 10 Ole Miss by just one stroke, showcased their resilience and talent, finishing with an impressive total of 30-under par.
A Strong Start and Steady Progression
The Sooners’ journey to victory was marked by a pivotal moment early in the final round. Drew Goodman, a key player for Oklahoma, made a crucial birdie on the third hole, propelling the team into the lead. From that point on, the Sooners never looked back, steadily increasing their advantage and ultimately winning by six strokes. This victory not only marked a significant achievement for the team but also represented the 45th career win for head coach Ryan Hybl, extending his record for the most victories in Oklahoma golf history.
Hybl expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, "It’s been an incredible week for our team on a PGA Tour-level course. The guys were absolute warriors from the start." He highlighted the impressive contributions from all team members, emphasizing the importance of their collective effort in overcoming challenges throughout the tournament.
Stellar Performances from Key Players
Among the standout performers for Oklahoma was Jase Summy, who finished the tournament in third place with an impressive score of 11-under par. Summy’s remarkable stretch of five consecutive birdies during the final round was instrumental in solidifying the Sooners’ lead. After a rocky start that included a bogey and a double-bogey, Summy rallied with exceptional skill, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Drew Goodman also made significant contributions, finishing tied for eighth at 5-under par. His consistent rounds of 67, 74, and 70 demonstrated his reliability as a top player for the Sooners. Goodman has now achieved a remarkable 15 top-10 finishes and 26 top-20 finishes in his 40 career events, solidifying his status as a key asset to the team.
Team Depth and Contributions
The depth of the Oklahoma squad was evident throughout the tournament, with multiple players stepping up to deliver crucial scores. PJ Maybank III and Matthew Troutman both finished tied for 19th, with Maybank recovering from a challenging opening round to post scores of 66 and 71 in the subsequent rounds. Troutman also showcased his talent, finishing with rounds of 69, 72, and 73, marking his third top-20 finish in four college starts.
Even Ryder Cowan, who finished T51, played a vital role by contributing a critical counting score of 70 in the final round. This collective effort from the team not only secured the victory but also highlighted the strength and unity of the Oklahoma men’s golf program.
Record-Breaking Achievements
This victory at the Valero Texas Collegiate is particularly noteworthy as it marks the 15th consecutive full semester that Oklahoma has won an event, setting a new program record. Under Hybl’s leadership, the Sooners have consistently demonstrated their prowess in collegiate golf, winning at least one event in all 16 seasons of his tenure. With 45 career wins, Hybl ranks 13th in NCAA history and fourth among active Division I coaches, further underscoring the program’s success.
Looking Ahead
As the Sooners celebrate this significant victory, they are already setting their sights on the next challenge. Hybl noted the importance of this win as a confidence booster heading into the heart of their fall schedule. The team will next compete at the Ben Hogan Collegiate, hosted at the historic Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 30.
With a strong start to the season and a roster filled with talent, the Oklahoma men’s golf team is poised for continued success as they navigate the competitive landscape of collegiate golf. Fans and followers can stay updated on the team’s journey by following @OU_MGolf on Twitter and Instagram, or by liking Oklahoma Men’s Golf on Facebook.