All Three SMC Teams Impress as Pioneers “A” Squad Leads Fall Invitational

Gaffney, S.C. – The Spartanburg Methodist College men's golf team is hosting the Pioneers Fall Invitational at Cherokee National Golf and Recreational Club, which got underway Monday.

The Pioneers are fielding three full teams along with a pair of individuals. After the opening round, the SMC "A" team sits in first place in the 11-team field with a score of 285 (-3), holding a 10-stroke lead over fellow AAC member Columbia International.

SMC is led by individual co-leaders Evan Cheek and AJ Bolin, who each carded a 70 (-2). Cheek recorded five birdies in his round, while Bolin tallied four over the first 18 holes.

Also for the "A" squad, Kendall Howle is tied for fifth with CIU's Andrew Haarlow after shooting an even-par 72, which included three birdies and back-to-back birdies on holes No. 1 and 2. Thomas Campbell joined his teammates in the top 10 after posting a 73 (+1), while Parker Harrigan rounded out the lineup with a 78 (+6).

The SMC "B" squad is led by Conner Requidan, who is tied for third with Bluefield's Jacob Mitchell after firing a 71 (-1). Antonio Montenora sits just outside the top 10 with a 74 (+2). Tucker Simon shares 28th place with fellow Pioneer Harrigan after shooting a 78 (+6), while Andrew Walker carded a 79 (+7) to tie for 32nd with teammate Bryson Paris.

The SMC "C" squad is paced by Jackson Welch, who shot a 76 (+4) to tie for 18th. Lucas Johnson is tied for 45th with an 83 (+11), followed by Tripp Darwin in 53rd after an 88 (+16), Andrew Coleman in 55th with a 90 (+18), and Tristen Henne in 58th after a 92 (+20).

Among the individuals, Owen Jackson is tied for 56th with a 91 (+19), and Aaron Ritz is in 60th after posting a 94 (+22).

The tournament will conclude Tuesday with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.