HOBBS, N.M. – The University of the Southwest men's golf team turned in a strong performance on its home course at Rockwind Community Links, finishing tied for sixth place at the Battling in the Desert tournament after three rounds of competition on October 5-6.
The Mustangs posted team scores of 289 (+1), 284 (-4), and 300 (+12) to finish at 9-over-par (873), tying Texas A&M-San Antonio in a competitive 17-team field. After opening the tournament with a 1-over round, Southwest surged up the leaderboard with a 4-under 284 during Monday's second round and entered the final day in contention before settling into a tie for sixth.
Leading the way for the Mustangs was Jayden Romig, who finished sixth at 5-under-par. Romig was remarkably consistent throughout the event, carding rounds of 71, 70, and 70 to finish at 211, becoming one of the top performers in the field and keeping himself in contention from start to finish.
Christian Martinez added another solid showing for Southwest, finishing tied for 19th at 1-over-par after rounds of 71, 72, and 74. Martinez provided steady scoring throughout all three rounds to help anchor the Mustang lineup.
Konner Igleheart recorded the team's lowest individual round outside of Romig, firing a 3-under 69 during Monday's second round. Igleheart finished tied for 41st overall at 7-over-par with rounds of 74, 69, and 80.
Jesse Valdez finished tied for 47th at 9-over-par after rounds of 73, 73, and 79, while Sam Clair rounded out the scoring lineup with rounds of 74, 76, and 77 to finish tied for 56th at 11-over-par.
The Mustangs also fielded two additional teams in the tournament.
Competing as USouthwest B, Caden Marquez paced the team with rounds of 73, 78, and 75 to finish tied for 49th at 10-over-par. Xavier Aguirre finished tied for 76th at 22-over, while Korbyn Gibson placed 81st at 24-over. Elijah Gonzales and Diego Aguirre rounded out the lineup, helping the C team finish 15th overall at 80-over-par.
For USouthwest C, Matthias Salas led the group with rounds of 83, 76, and 79 to finish tied for 76th at 22-over-par. Chevy Thompson finished 83rd at 35-over, while Clifton George placed 84th at 36-over after rounds of 84, 90, and 78. Alejandro Sanchez completed the tournament at 45-over-par. The C squad finished 16th overall at 138-over-par.
The home tournament was highlighted by Romig's Top-10 finish and a strong second-round effort from the Mustangs, who recorded one of the better team rounds of the event during Monday afternoon's play. Southwest concluded the tournament with a top-six finish against a field that featured several nationally competitive programs.
Mustang Results
Team Finish
T-6th of 17 Teams
Southwest: +9 (289-284-300 = 873)
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