ATLANTA, GA. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff men's golf team got off to a strong start at the Thomas W. Dortch Jr. HBCU Collegiate Golf Classic, posting a team score of 291 (+3) to earn a second-place finish at Bears Best Golf Course. The Golden Lions finished two strokes behind Southern University, which won the tournament with a 289.
The event was originally scheduled as a two-day tournament, but inclement weather forced the remainder of the competition to be canceled following the opening round, making the first-round results final.
"We have a very young team with only one player returning from last year's championship team, but we're getting better each time out," said UAPB head golf coach Roger Totten. "Cole Wiese is a very good golfer who brings experience and leadership. Our younger golfers are learning from him and some of the other experienced players on the team."
Assistant coach Carl Smith was also pleased with the progress he saw from the Golden Lions.
"We played well," Smith said. "Our young guys had some good swings and are gaining valuable experience. They're improving, and that's what we want to see. Cole has also stepped up as a leader for this young team."
Wiese led the way for the Golden Lions, firing a 2-under-par 70 to finish tied for third overall. He carded a 34 on the front nine before closing with a 36 on the back nine.
Robin Duzmann also delivered a strong round for UAPB, finishing tied for sixth after shooting a 1-over-par 73. Duzmann made his move on the back nine, shooting a 34 after opening with a 39.
The Golden Lions put two more golfers in the top 10, with Phudit Armornjaturaporn and Thomas Lyaudet each finishing tied for 10th with rounds of 2-over-par 74. Armornjaturaporn shot a 38 on the front nine and a 36 on the back, while Lyaudet posted matching scores of 37 on each nine.
Jeremy Nguyen rounded out UAPB's individual performances, finishing tied for 20th after recording a 5-over-par 77. Nguyen posted a 39 on the front nine before closing with a 38 on the back.
With four golfers finishing among the top 10, the Golden Lions combined for a 3-over-par 291 to secure the runner-up finish when inclement weather brought the tournament to an early conclusion.
UAPB Individual Results
T3 – Cole Wiese: 70 (-2)
T6 – Robin Duzmann: 73 (+1)
T10 – Phudit Armornjaturaporn: 74 (+2)
T10 – Thomas Lyaudet: 74 (+2)
T20 – Jeremy Nguyen: 77 (+5)
