The Cougars wrapped up their golf season on Wednesday at the NJCAA District J Championship played at Chateau Elan Golf Club in Braselton, GA. In the tournament, Colbe Cagle earned a berth to play in the NJCAA National Championship. The team finished fifth in the eight-school event, which was won by Walters State Community College in a playoff over Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
The course proved to be quite the adversary for the field with the scoring average hovering just over 83 after the first round. The Cougars finished the day in fourth with a team total of 339. Cagle led the way with a 78, sixth place overall. Jared Thomas had the next best score for Cleveland State with an 84. Abraham Baldwin led the team race with a 303 followed closely by Walters State with a 309. Will Bozeman of Abraham Baldwin led the tournament with a 71.
Windy conditions saw the scores soar even higher on the second day. Alex Hodge of Walters State had the lowest score of the round with a 74, while Bozeman secured the championship after shooting a 76. Though Cagle posted an 84 in the second round, he played well enough to narrowly qualify for Nationals. Thomas just missed joining Cagle at Nationals by two strokes with a two day total of 169. The team finished with a score of 350 in round two.
"The course had some tough stretches, and it didn't allow a lot of birdies," said head coach Miles Moseley. "Usually the players can make up ground on the par fives, but these were long, and didn't allow many opportunities. These last two days really required a lot of mental toughness, so it is no surprise to see Colbe qualify. He has been resilient all year. We're really proud of him, and we're excited that he has this opportunity."
With an 11th place finish, Cagle was one of five individuals to qualify for the national championship to be played at Swan Lake Golf Resort in Plymouth, Ind. on May 21-24.
Cleveland State Individual Scores:
Colbe Cagle: 78, 84 – 162
Jared Thomas: 84, 85 – 169
Garrett Jones: 89, 89 – 178
Ethan Chastain: 88, 92 – 180
Seth Ward: 92, 92 – 184
Team Scores:
Walters State: 309, 306 – 615 (won in playoff)
Abraham Baldwin: 303, 312 – 615
Surry: 332, 321 – 653
Patrick Henry: 343, 324 – 667
Cleveland State: 339, 350 – 689
Johnston: failed to post team score
Roane State: failed to post team score
Davidson County CC: failed to post team score
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