Vaughn's Individual Golf Title Helps Koala Men Take First at Bluefield

BLUEFIELD, VA - The Columbia College men's golf team played a great first week of golf shooting a 7-over 287 in round one and a 13-over round two to finish originally in a first place tie in the 12-team season-opening tournament at the Fincastle Intercollegiate GC hosted by Bluefield College.

Columbia's final tally of 20 over 580 had them tied with Walters State CC (Tenn.) for the team title. However, a two hole playoff ensued featuring the top player from each of the tied teams. The Koalas' top player was the individual medalist of the tournament, senior Blake Vaughn who shot incredible rounds of 66 and 65 to finish at 9 under par 131 and win the title by six strokes over the runner-up from Walters. Vaughn won the two-hole playoff against WSCC's Nick Talley by making birdie on the second hole to give the Koala men the victory. 

Vaughn had six birdies in his first round and five more in the second round.

"I am super proud of this team," commented head coach Tom Mason. "They have been working hard since school started in late August. Blake played unbelievable for both days. Our two freshmen, Thomas Campbell and Jaxon Mock were rock solid while Ryan Lord was spectacular after a rough 12th hole."

"The team chemistry was fantastic. Freshman Josh Brown played as an individual and played well in Round 1. This team made three birdies on hole #18 to force a playoff with Blake Vaughn sealing the victory on the second playoff hole," continued coach. "These boys hung tough under some extremely adverse weather conditions today. I'm proud to be the Koalas Coach."

Bluefield finished third at 587 followed by St. Andrews at 590 and Milligan in 5th at 592. 

Finishing second on the Koalas was freshman teammate Thomas Campbell, who shot a 1 under 69 with two birdies and an eagle on Monday and a 76 on Tuesday to finish in a tie for 7th place at 5-over 145.

Freshman Jaxon Mock then finished third on the team and 17th overall as he shot a 5-over 75 and a 6 over 76 for an 11 over 151. Sophomore Ryan Lord then came in 4th on the team at 13 over 153 to place 21st with rounds of 77 and 76.

Freshman Josh Brown, playing as an individual, finished 42nd at 24 over 164 shooting rounds of 77 and 87. Finally, senior Jacob Fink placed 48th with rounds of 80 and 87 for a 167.

The men are next on the course in two weeks on Sept. 30 at the Sandhills Championship in Pinehurst, NC at Sandhills CC.