Steven Alker Focused on Defending Insperity Invitational Title in The Woodlands

Photo courtesy of  2022 Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR
and PGA Media Website Archives

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (April 9, 2023) The newest star of the PGA TOUR Champions, Steven Alker (shown above), is first to add his name to the tee sheet for the 20th anniversary of the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare, April 24‐30, 2023. 

Alker notched four PGA TOUR Champions titles including the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare in 2022 to go along with four second‐place finishes and 18 top‐10s en route to capturing the season‐long Charles Schwab Cup title. 

“It’s been a fun ride and I’m just so happy to be out here on Tour. Everything has come around and I’m enjoying my game,” said Alker.   

Mother Nature couldn’t even slow Steven Alker down in The Woodlands last year. 

The Kiwi returned to The Woodlands Country Club Tournament Course from a two‐hour Sunday rain delay by playing a six‐hole stretch in 6‐under par on the back nine to outduel Steve Stricker and win the Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare on Sunday for his second of three victories on the PGA TOUR Champions in 2022. 

“I actually watched some footage up in the clubhouse (during the rain delay) and just changed my ball position and felt a little more on top of the ball. Just a tiny little thing and I started hitting some nice shots and driving it better,” said Alker. “I thank goodness we did have a little break because I kind of struggled, missed a few fairways early on and made some nice putts, kept me going. Then I got my roll going.” 

Alker has been on a sizzling run since Monday qualifying for his first event – Boeing Classic – in August 2021 where he finished T7. With the top 10, the New Zealander got into the following event and then recorded six straight top‐10s before notching his maiden victory at the TimberTech Championship. 

“Steven has been a wonderful ambassador for our tournament and the PGA TOUR Champions. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the Tournament’s 20th anniversary celebration than by welcoming him back to The Woodlands,” said Bryan Naugle, Executive Director, Insperity Invitational presented by UnitedHealthcare.   

“Once again Houston area golf fans will be treated to an incredible show at the end of April that will include golf’s legends, World Golf Hall of Famers, and new stars on the PGA TOUR Champions like Steven who have already started booking their tickets for our event.”  

Golf champions crowned at TAAF Games of Texas

Adhira Tippur, Sankirth Tippur, and Shay West
all took medalists honors in their respective
divisions at the TAAF Games of Texas golf competition.
Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vida Loca Photography
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (August 1, 2021) Golf was contested in the 2001 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Games of Texas at Lozano Golf Center in Corpus Christi. Two nine-hole rounds were in the contested in the girls and boys 7-9 year-olds and 10-11 year-olds age groups, along with the girls 12-13 age group. In the boys 12-13, girls and boys 14-15 and 16-18, and the mens and womens 50-and-over age groups plays two 18-hole rounds.

In the girls division, Isabella Ramirez took top honors with two nine-rounds total of 87 (44-43) followed by Amabely Rodriguez with a 93 (45-48) in the girls 10-13 year-old division. In the girls 14-15 division, Adhira Tippur won the gold medal with a two-round, 36-hole total of 173 (89, 84), with Regan Williams taking the silver with the score of 216 (109, 107). 

Photo by
Darla Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2021, All Rights Reserved

In the 16-18 division, San Angelo's Shay West (shown left) won the gold medal with a two-round thirty-six hole total of 152, shooting a first-round 78, and coming back with a 74 on the second day.

After the tournament, she was ask about her play and how the course was. She responded:

"It was good. I liked it (the cousre). It presented a lot of challenges, but I was able to overcome them. This was my first time playing (this course). I didn’t get a practice round. So there was some places that were dangerous and I ended up going there and I had to get myself out of it." 

In the boys 7-9 division, Jack Rogers took home the gold with the score of 89 (46, 43), with Andrew Sperry earning the silver; 131 (70, 61). In the 10-11 year-old boys division Jaanus Cantu took top honors with the score of 76 (39, 37), followed by Farid Aounallah with an 85  (43, 42) in second. Dennis Kwon and Salatore Alejandro tied for third with the score of 92; shooing 44/48 and 41/51, respectively.

In the boys 12-13 age group, Diego Deleon won the gold medal (180; 91/89), with Avion Loera winning silver (183, 87/96), and Eliab Alvarez taking bronze (206, 103/103). The boys 14-15 division saw a close match with  Rene Garcia taking top honors with a two-stroke win (179, 93/86) over Joshua Castaneda (181, 101/80). Sankirth Tippur won the boys 16-18 division with a two-round total of 169 (82/87). 

In the 50+ competiton, Linda Lindsey won the womens gold with the score of 96, while Greg Bassett and  Oscar Houchins went 1-2 with scoers of 72 and 85 respectively.

First round of Insperity Invitational postponed until Saturday

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

THE WODOLANDS, TEXAS (April 30, 2021) With heavy rainfall continuing throughout the day, the opening round of the 2021 Insperity Invitational was been postponed until Saturday (May 1). The first players will tee off at 7:30 a.m. CDT, from the first and tenth holes. Three inches of rainfall occurred as of 3 p.m. CT on Friday, with more expected in the late afternoon. The second round will take place immediately after the completion of the first round, with each groups starting hole switched from the first round.

Insperity Invitational kicks off Friday

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2021 All Rights Reserved

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (April 30, 2021) Eighty-one PGA Tour Champions are slated to compete in the Insperity Invitational, 54-stroke play competition with a no-cut format begin on Friday. The tournament, which was scheduled to kick off at 10 a.m. at The Woodland Country Club Tournament Course, was in a holding pattern with rain in the forecast and showers expected to continue into the afternoon.

The week kicked off on Monday and Tuesday with practice rounds, followed by the ever-popular Pro-Am on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will see the actual tournament begin,, which is the fourth event on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule for 2021. 

Each champion from the last eight Insperity Invitationals will tee it up in the tournament, including four-time winner Bernhard Langer and defending champion (2019) Scott McCarron. The Insperity Invitational is the first of three consecutive weeks of events on PGA TOUR Champions, continuing at next week’s Regions Tradition before the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, May 14-16.

The the last edition of the tournament (2019), Scott McCarron made three birdies on the back nine of the final round en route to a two-stroke victory over Scott Parel at the 2019 Insperity Invitational. After Parel birdied Nos. 11 and 12 to even the score at 14-under, McCarron responded with back-to-back birdies of his own to rebuild a two-shot lead through 14.

 

McCarron birdied the 185-yard 16th, hitting an 8-iron to a foot, and regained a two-shot lead with two holes to play. A par-par finish secured McCarron’s second win of the 2019 season, marking his fourth consecutive year with multiple victories on PGA TOUR Champions. He went on to win the Charles Schwab Cup and was named the 2019 PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year.

Texas Longhorns' Doug Ghim wins Pacific Coast Amateur Golf Championship

Texas senior Doug Ghim won the 51^st Pacific Coast Amateur Championship by two strokes on Friday.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 22, 2017) Texas Men’s Golf senior Doug Ghim won the 51^st Pacific Amateur Championship after two-putting the final hole at Chambers Bay on Friday.

Ghim's victorious final score was 70-67-69-69-275 (-9). He was the only player to shoot under-par in all four rounds.

He entered the day with bogey on a difficult par-4, but bounced back with birdie on the par-4 second and a holed-out bunker shot for birdie on the par-4 third to take the lead.

After making another birdie on the par-4 7th hole, Ghim was two-under on his day, -9 for the championship making the turn and holding a three-stroke lead in his group and on the field. Things quickly became interesting for the Longhorn after making the turn.

After pulling his drive left into the menacing and gnarly rough, Ghim was forced to pitch backwards into the second cut of rough on his second. His approach shot from there would fly a couple yards long, leaving himself a difficult up-and-down. He was unsuccessful, dropping two shots. Just like that, the championship went from smooth sailing to a single stroke differential, a number that remained constant to the final putt.

Ghim calmly hit the green in two shots, giving himself two putts on a 30-foot uphill line to the same back left hole location. After Zalatoris was unable to get up-and-down for birdie and join Champ at -8, all that was left for Ghim was to get down in two putts for a single-stroke margin of victory. His caddy for the week, who was his father Jeff, helped line up the putt and Ghim calmly rolled the first putt to three feet. After both Springer and Zalatoris putted out, Ghim stepped up and knocked the winning put into the back of the hole with his family looking on and cheering in the gallery.

Texas Longhorn alumnus Jordan Spieth won the US Open on in 2015.

HBU Men’s Golf Opens in 3rd at Mark Simpson CU Invite

Junior Val Almendarez tied for 2^nd, one stroke off lead.

ERIE, COLORADO (September 26, 2016)   HBU junior Val Almendarez posted back-to-back rounds under par and is only one stroke behind the leader, as the Huskies are in third after two rounds Monday at the Mark Simpson Colorado Invite at the 7,745-yard, par-72 Colorado National Golf Club.

Almendarez opened with a 70, then followed with a scorching 5-under par 67 to total 7-under par 137. He carded six birdies in the second round, five in the first, had a bogey in each round and a double-bogey in the first. Freshman Nicko Martinez held the lead after the first round with a 6-under par 66, but followed with a 73 and is tied for eighth at 139. He holed seven birdies in the first round, then three in the second. Sophomore Daniel Dimaculangon carded 73 in the first, but bounced back with a 69 to move up to a tie for 23^rd at 2-under par 142. Freshman Patricio Guerra is tied for 60^th at 3-over par 147, while freshman Colin Mulligan is tied for 75^th at 5-over par 149 with rounds of 74 and 75.

Host Colorado shot 12-under par 558 to lead Utah by six and HBU by seven. The Huskies are only one stroke ahead of Wyoming and Campbell, which are tied for fourth.

CU’s Morten Toft Hansen shot 71 in the first round, but tied with one other for the best round of the day with a 7-under 65 in the second to lead at 8-under par 136. Almendarez is tied with Air Force’s Sunwoo Choi, who had rounds of 69 and 68. Four other players are tied for fourth at 6-under par 138.

The tournament concludes with the third round Tuesday morning.

HBU's Isaiah Huerta Named Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar

Photo courtesy of HBU Athletic Media Relations 

From HBU Athletic Media Relations Press Release

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA (July 22, 2015) Houston Baptist University junior golfer Isaiah Huerta was named a Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar by the Golf Coaches Association of America, the organization announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Huerta, a native of Duncanville, Texas, was one of two Huskies to compete in all 11 tournaments on the year finishing third on the team with a 74.77 stroke average across 30 rounds. Huetra placed inside the top 20 two times. He recorded six par and two under-par rounds.

Huerta is one of eight golfers named from members the Southland Conference and one of 11 named from schools in state of Texas.

To be eligible for Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar status an individual must be a junior or senior academically, compete in at least three full years at the collegiate level, participate in 50-percent of his team’s competitive rounds, have a stroke-average under 76.0 in Division I, 78.0 in Division II, 77.0 in NAIA and 79.0 in Division III, and maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2. A recipient must also be of high moral character and be in good standing at his college or university.

In all, 206 players in Division I, 91 in Division II and 17 in NAIA earned the honor. Additionally, 34 honorees were added to the previously released Division III Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars.

Houston Women’s Golf Tied for Fourth at Mary Fossum Invitational

Yuka Kajiki scored birdies on hole 5
and 17 on day two action.
Photo courtesy of the
University of Houston
Athletics Communications
Department

Freshmen Yuka Kajiki, Megan Thothong among top-10 leaders after two rounds

 

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN (September 13, 2014) University of Houston freshmen Yuka Kajiki and Megan Thothong stood among the top-10 individual leaders following the first 36 holes of the Mary Fossum Invitational to lead the Cougars into a tie for fourth place in the team standings.

 

The Cougars posted a score of 614 to tie for fourth with Michigan after the first two rounds on the 6,236-yard, par-72 layout at Forest Akers West Golf Course. Houston posted a team score of 314 in Saturday’s morning round and then bettered that total by 14 strokes with a 300 in the afternoon session.

 

Both Kajiki and Thothong are competing in only the second collegiate events of their careers. Kajiki, who finished in a tie for 30^th at The “Mo”Morial earlier this week in Bryan, Texas, led the way with a score of 4-over-par 148 to stand in fourth place.

 

The Hiroshima, Japan, native started her day with a birdie on the par-4 third hole and battled through six bogeys for a 76 in the morning round. Kajiki enjoyed an even-par 72 in the second round of the day, draining birdies on Nos. 5 and 17 with only two bogeys on her scorecard.

 

Megan Thothong scored a
two-day total of 150.
Photo courtesy of the
University of Houston
Athletics Communications
Department

 Thothong was equally impressive and was tied for seventh with a

 score of 150. The Dallas native opened the tournament with a 76 

 and followed with a 72 in the afternoon round, which included three  birdies in a five-hole stretch .

 

Junior Raegan Bremer was tied for 25^th with a score of 156, while sophomore Emily Gilbreth was tied for 40^th at 160. Freshman Maddy Rayner stood in 71^st at 165.

 

Host Michigan State held the first-day lead with a score of 23-over-par 599, six strokes ahead of Notre Dame. Toledo stood in third at 609 with FIU (619), East Tennessee State (624), Western Michigan (632), Grand Valley (633) and Oakland (633) rounding out the top-10 team leaders.

 

Individually, Michigan State’s Sarah Burnham held the first-day lead at 1-over-par 145, with Grand Valley’s Gabrielle Shipley in second at 146. FIU’s Meghan MacLaren stood in third at 147.

 

The Final Round begins with a 7:30 a.m. (CDT) shotgun start Sunday. The Cougars will compete in threesomes with student-athletes from Michigan and FIU.

HBU women's golf sits in third place after round one of MSU Oscala Invitational

Christina Cantu
Photo courtesy of 
HBU Media Relations Department

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

DUNNELLON, FLORIDA (March 23, 2014)  Houston Baptist University senior Christina Cantu is tied for third place after the first round of the MSU Oscala Invitational in Dunnellon, Florida.


Cantu fired an even par-72 on the Juliette Falls Golf Resort course on Sunday, March 23, 2014 to lead the Huskies.


Teammate Rachel Mulkey shot a one-over par-73, tying for fifth place and placing junior fifth in the field.


Senior Katie Paxton connected for a 75 (15^th place) with sophomore Brook Johnson shooting 79 (51^st place)


Junior Caitlyn Cassity finished up the Husky scoring with a 81 (71^st place).


HBU sits in third place with a 299 and is tied with North Florida.


Dayton State leads the field with a 295, followed by Florida Gulf Coast in second with a 298.


Round two will be contested on Monday, March 24.

Pressel continues to pace Texas Longhorns Women’s Golf at Stanford Intercollegiate

Senior Madison Pressel carded a team-best and even-par 71 in Saturday’s second round.

PALO ALTO, CA (October 20, 2012)  Texas senior Madison Pressel continued to pace the Longhorns at the Stanford Intercollegiate by carding an even-par 71 in Saturday’s second round. Through 36 holes, Pressel is tied for 25^th place at 4-over 146 (75-71).

Pressel overcame five bogeys with as many bogeys toresult in the even scorecard. After beginning her round with a bogey on 10, she bounced back with a pair of subpars on 11 and 12. Her second bogey came on 14, but a third birdie at 17 led her to turn at 1-under. She dipped to 2-under through 10 holes with another birdie on the first hole, but gave up two strokes with bogeys at two and six. A final birdie at seven and bogey at nine capped Pressel’s second round at Stanford Golf Course.

Senior Haley Stephens (76-74=150) notched Texas’ second-lowest round of the day with a 3-over 74. Stephens trails Pressel byfour strokes and is tied for 49^th place.

Sophomore Bertine Strauss (80-79) and senior Desiree Dubreuil (80-79) are tied for 85^th with matching 159 (+17) totals. Freshman Tezira Abe (80-83=163) rounds out the UT squad in 89^th place.

Southern California (286-285=571) holds a four-stroke lead over second-place Washington (290-285=575) on the team leaderboard. Oklahoma State (289-288=577) and Oregon State (287-290) are knotted in third place.

The Longhorns are set to conclude the Stanford Intercollegiate Sunday beginning at 7 a.m. Central off the 10^th tee alongside California and a quintet of individual players from Stanford, UC Davis and Cal.

Stanford Intercollegiate

Stanford Golf Course (par 71; 6,130 yards)

Second-round Team Standings

1. Southern California – 286-285=571 (+3)

2. Washington – 290-285=575 (+7)

T3. Oklahoma State – 289-288=577 (+9)

T3. Oregon State - 287-290=577 (+9)

T5. Stanford – 289-290=579 (+11)

T5. Vanderbilt – 288-291=579 (+11)

T5. Arizona State – 290-289=579 (+11)

8. Arizona – 294-289=583 (+15)

9. Georgia – 293-295=588 (+20)

10. UCLA – 296-295=591 (+23)

T11. UC Davis – 295-297=592 (+24)

T11. Pepperdine – 304-291=592 (+24)

13. Harvard – 304-290=594 (+26)

14. Oregon – 298-301=599 (+31)

15. San Jose State – 303-298=601 (+33)

16. California – 307-298=605 (+37)

17. Texas – 311-302-613 (+45)

Second-roundPlayer Leaderboard

T1. Kyung Kim, Southern California – 72-66=138 (-4)

T2. Doris Chen, Southern California – 69-70=139 (-3)

T2. Kelsey Vines, Oklahoma State – 70-69=139 (-3)

T4. SooBin Kim, Washington – 72-68=140 (-2)

T4. Grace Na, Pepperdine – 72-68=140 (-2)

T6. Emilie Burger, Georgia – 71-70=141 (-1)

T6. Lauren Sewell, Oregon State – 71-70=141 (-1)

T8. Josephine Janson, Oklahoma State – 69-73=142 (E)

T8. Sophia Popov, Southern California – 70-72=142 (E)

T8. Lauren Stratton, Vanderbilt – 71-71=142 (E)

Texas Players

T25. Madison Pressel – 75-71=146 (+4)

T49. Haley Stephens – 76-74=150 (+8)

T85. Bertine Strauss – 80-79=159 (+17)

T85. Desiree Dubreuil – 80-79=159 (+17)

89. Tezira Abe – 80-83=163 (+21)

No. 10 Arkansas Leads First Day at All-American Intercollegiate

Houston sophomore Curtis Reed tied for seventh at 140 to lead Cougars


HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 10, 2012) University of Houston sophomore Curtis Reed posted a second-round 69 to tie his season low and help lead the Cougars to a fifth-place team showing after the first day at The Woodlands All-American Intercollegiate.


Reed, a native of Castroville, Texas, drained at least four birdies in each round, starting the day with back-to-back birdies. Posting a 69 in the second round of last week’s Insperity Augusta State Invitational, Reed finished with a sub-par score for the third time in his last four rounds.


“Curtis got off to a great start and had a great finish to his first round,” third-year head coach Jonathan Dismuke said. “When Curtis gets comfortable, he has a lot of ability and a lot of game. I am happy to see him at the top of the leaderboard.”


Playing on the Tournament Course at The Woodlands Country Club, the Cougars overcame a slow start in the morning round to post a team score of 289. From there, the team added a 3-under-par 285 in the afternoon session to finish the first 36 holes at 574.

“We did a lot of things really well, and we were fortunate to claw back during a difficult stretch in the first round,” Dismuke said. “We will address some things and make some adjustments and hopefully put a better foot forward in the final round.”


For Dismuke, one of his program’s biggest highlights of the first day was its resiliency during the opening 18 holes. As a team, Houston endured a combined 10 bogeys on the front nine before settling down to finish only 1-over-par.


“Golf has its ups and downs. You just have to battle through those tough stretches togive yourself an opportunity to salvage a round and post a decent score,” Dismuke said. “I stress to our guys that it’s not always about what you do when you play great. There is an element of damage control when you are not playing your best.”


No. 10 Arkansas led the first day with a score of 556, four strokes ahead of No. 32 North Texas and six strokes better than No. 14 Texas A&M. SMU finished the first day in fourth at 571, while No. 19 Clemson (575), No. 27 Baylor (576), Southeastern Louisiana (576), Tulsa (579) and Louisiana-Lafayette (580) rounded out the top-10 team leaders.


Texas A&M’s Geoff Shaw stood atop the individual leaderboard at 136 after rounds of 69-67. He joined Arkansas’ Kolton Crawford (68-69-137) as the only player with consecutive rounds in the 60s.


SMU’s Marc Sambol and North Texas’ Curtis Donahoe were tied for third at 138, while Arkansas teammates Thomas Sorensen and Sebastian Cappelen were tied for fifth at 139.


Cappelen provided the low round of the day and etched his name in the All-American Intercollegiate records book with a second-round 65. He became only the seventh player in the history of the tournament with an 18-hole total that low and the first since Louisiana-Lafayette’s Mike Etherington posted that total in the first round on April 13, 1993.


Four of the five Cougars enjoyed at least one round of par of better Monday. Sophomore Jesse Droemer fired an opening round 71 and was tied for 26th at144. Junior James Ross posted an even-par 72 in the second round and was tied for 33rd at 145.


Making a return to the Cougar starting lineup, sophomore Bryn Flanagan tallied a 71 in the second round and was tied for 52nd at 148. Freshman Roman Robledo was tied for 58th at 149.


Playing as individuals, sophomore Wesley McClain fired back-to-back 72s and was tied for 26th at 144. Senior Eric Adler finished with a 72 in the second round and was tied for 39th at 146, while junior Will Dusenbury was tied for 64th at 151.


TUESDAY'S FINAL ROUND
The tournament wraps up with the final 18 holes, beginning at 8 a.m., Tuesday, on the 7,018-yard, par-72 course at The Woodlands Country Club. Admission is free, and all fans are invited to attend.


Fans can follow live scoring by visiting GolfStat.com or by clicking here.


ALL-AMERICAN INTERCOLLEGIATE HISTORY

Monday’s start marks the first time since 2009 that the Cougars have played host to The Woodlands All-American Intercollegiate. For years, this event ranked as one of the nation's premier collegiate tournaments, featuring some of the country's top student-athletes and teams.


“It’s a honor to have the quality field we have. Hosting this event at The Woodlands CC has a lot to do with the quality teams we drew. This is a great field on a great course. We were fortunate to have some great weather, and the first day was really fun.”


The tournament was played every season from 1955 to 1990. After a one-year break in 1992, the tournament picked up and was played again from 1992 to 1997. The All-American Intercollegiate resumed in 2006 and was played each season through the 2008-09 campaign


The Cougars lead the way in their tournament with 23 team titles and 20 individual championships during its history.


UP NEXT


The Woodlands All-American Intercollegiate will be the Cougars’ final regular-season tournament of the season. Following this week, the Cougars will take a break before competing at the Conference USA Championships on April 22-24 at Texarkana Country Club, in Texarkana, Ark.


The winner of the league’s annual postseason event will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals

Houston Golf Returns from Weekend Retreat

NavySEALs, team-building exercises prepare Cougars for 2011-12 season
HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 30, 2011) With the fall season less than two weeks away, the University of Houston golf team recently returned from a weekend retreat designed to inspire and energize the student-athletes.

Head coach Jonathan Diskmuke, assistant coach Chris Hill and the 2011-12 Cougar team recently took part in a retreat in The Woodlands. During that time, members of the team went through team-building activities and set goals for the upcoming campaign.

For Dismuke, getting away from the campus and the Athletics Department for a few days is a great way for the student-athletes to focus a little more and get to know each other better.

“We get away from the city for a few days and come together to establish goals and get our mind right for the beginning of theseason,” said Dismuke, who begins his third season with the Cougars. “This weekend was about establishing a championship culture for us and building what we want to become in the future.”

One of the highlights for all team members was listening to a pair of Navy SEALs. On Friday night, the team listened to an active duty SEAL member, who cut an impressive figure in his white uniform bedecked with rows of ribbons. That SEAL member, who could not be identified by name or in photographs due to his current status, shared his story of overcoming poverty to become a leader in one of the military’s most prestigious and lethal units.

SEAL Commander Mark McGinnis spoke to the Cougars on Friday night and Saturday morning. As a leader of more than 400 successful missions during his military career, McGinnis emphasized the importance of brotherhood among team members, attention to detail, organization and building a championship culture to the Cougars. With an engaging style and endless military stories, McGinnis held the Cougars’ attention for hours each day.

“The Navy SEALs are one of the most respected organizations in the world. The culture they have created is second to none,” Dismuke said. “Their hard work, dedication and sacrifice have established Navy SEALs as an example for the rest of the world. I couldn’t think of a better group to speak to, challenge and inspire our team, and we were very fortunate to have them come out this weekend.”

The Cougars open the 2011 fall season when they compete at the Gopher Invitational on Sept. 11-12 at Spring Hill Golf Club in Wayzata, Minn.

Houston Golf: Cougars in 13th Place after First Round at Desert Shootout

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA (March 17, 2011) Freshman Jesse Droemer fired a 1-under-par 71 in the first round of the Desert Shootout to lead the University of Houston golf team Thursday.

With a team score of 292, the Cougars stood in 13th place through the first day.

Droemer was the only Cougar to shoot under par on the 7,015-yard, par-72 course at Palm Valley Golf Course during the first round. Freshmen Bryn Flanagan and Wesley McClain were tied for 53rd after shooting 73s, while freshman Curtis Reed wastied for 71st with a 75. Sophomore newcomer Will Dusenbury was tied for 83rd with a 77.

Oklahoma posted ascore of 274 to finish the first day two strokes ahead of TCU and three shots ahead of Saint Mary’s, BYU and Iowa State. North Texas (280), Tulsa (281), VCU (282), Southern Utah (282) and Wyoming (283) rounded out the top-10 team leaders.

North Texas’ Carlos Ortiz, Zachary Blair and Cameron Edens of BYU and Oklahoma’s Abraham Ancer were tied for the first-round lead after shooting 66.

The second round resumes at 8:30 a.m. (CST), Friday, with players teeing off from holes No. 1 and No. 10. The final round begins at 8:30 a.m. (CST), Saturday, with a shotgun start.

Following the Desert Shootout, the Cougars play host to the Border Olympics on March 25-26 in Laredo, Texas.

Houston will welcome Air Force, Arkansas, Baylor, Lamar, Liberty, Kansas, Kansas State, Rice, New Mexico State, Indiana, UT Arlington, UTSA, North Texas, Oklahoma, Toledo, Wichita, Washington State and Texas State.

Second Round Action Kicks Off At Valero Texas Open

By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

SAN ANTONIO (May 15, 2010) With the ground crew working right up to tee time to prepare the course from overnight rains, the second round of the Valero Texas Open kicked off Saturday morning at the TPC San Antonio and the JW Marriott Hill County Resort and Spa.

Heavy rains canceled Friday’s second round, which began play Saturday, with the possibility of 36-holes being played on Sunday or the final round being rescheduled until Monday.

Tournament director Slugger White said, “A lot is going to depend on what we do tomorrow weather-wise, how much play we get. So probably, I would think, early to mid-afternoon we'll know a little more about what's going on Sunday.”

154 players were set to tee off Saturday with first round leader Matt Jones scheduled to begin at 1:50pm. Jones shot six under par 66 to lead the field after Thursday’s first round.

Paul Stankowski, who fired a five under par 67 to finish the first round, is scheduled for a 1:10pm tee time.

Rain Washes Out Round Two at Valero Texas Open

By Robert H. Kelly

Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS (May 14, 2010) Heavy rain rolled into San Antonio early Friday morning and washed out the second round of the Valero Texas Open as PGA officials said more bad weather this weekend could push the tournament into Monday.

Over three inches of rain soaked the Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio, where leader Matt Jones and the rest of the field never got to tee off. Officials delayed the start for more than seven hours before calling Friday’s round a washout.

PGA officials will attempt to begin the second round Saturday morning as first round leader Mark Jones has a one-stroke lead over Paul Stankowski.

Tournament director Slugger White stated that only the second round would be played Saturday, with the possibility that the final 36 holes could be played on Sunday.

However, White did not rule out expending play until Monday.

White was quoted “A lot is going to depend on what we do tomorrow weather-wise, how much play we get. So probably, I would think, early to mid-afternoon we'll know a little more about what's going on Sunday.”

Jones shot a 6-under par 66 on Thursday to lead the first day field, which was the best opening round of his career.

Stankowski followed with a 67, while four others shot 68.

The National Weather Service has a 30 percent chance of rain for the San Antonio area throughout the weekend.

Tiger Woods' Language At The Masters: WHO CARES?

PASADENA, TEXAS (April 11, 2010) Much has been written in the past 12 hours about Tiger Woods language during his performance during the third round of The Masters on Saturday.

Woods hit an errant tee shot on No. 6, prompted him to shout, “Tiger Woods, you suck!” punctuated by the phrase "God Damnit."

CBS announcer Verne Lundquist commented after the exclamation, "I don't think he's pleased."

On the very next hole, he cursed again after a wayward approach shot. He would go on the record another bogey on that hole.

Tiger's language on the golf course has been heard and known about for years. Few comments on said language was ever heard.

Now there are people and groups out there that are chastising him for his language on Saturday.

Now, I am conservative as anyone when it comes to language. I think there are times that one must watch their language and be careful not to expose others to said language.

Have I ever cursed when some act or performance didn't go by way? YES!

Have I ever cursed when I hit or bump something that causes myself pain? YES!

Have I ever cursed when I made an errant golf shot? YES!

There are many of us who are guilty of using inappropriate language in a highly tense situation, and the world did not come to an end.

We have the current Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, on video, throwing down the F-bomb, while talking to our current President, Barack Obama. This happened within the past month.

Very little was heard from the media concerning Biden's comment.

Recently, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was videoed in a profanity-laced rant at Bristol Motor Speedway, due to frustration from a speeding penalty.

Very little was made of his language, and it was mostly forgotten within days of the incident.

During the recent Winter Olympics in Vancouver, NBC aired live video of a conversation between snowboarder Shaun White and his coach, Bud Keene. Keene let loose with a couple of four-letter obscenities.

NBC apologized for the airing of the language and the Olympic went on.

Woods apologized for his language after the third round, stating "If I did that, I'm sorry." He quote was reported in numerous media outlets during the last afternoon and early evening on Saturday.

I think some of the people and groups that are chastising Woods because of his infidelity and the problems his personal life.

Tiger Woods is without a doubt, the best golfer in the history of the sport. So he cut loose with a few inappropriate words in a tense moment. BIG DEAL!

Let's judge the man on his play during The Masters. He apologized, therefore in my mind, it is over.

After all, there is not anyone out there who has NEVER done the same. Tiger should just be left alone to play the game he loves. It is as simple as that.

Rice's Brown Named C-USA Golfer of the Week

IRVING, TEXAS (February 17, 2010) Rice senior golfer Christopher Brown was named Conference USA's Golfer of the Week the league office announced on Wednesday.

Brown fired an even-par 216 (74-73-69) en route to capturing medalist honors and propelling Rice to its second team victory of the season at the 10th Annual Rice Intercollegiate presented by Srixon. Brown shot a 69 during Tuesday's final round to win the tournament by four strokes.

The Garland native began the final 18 holes in a three-way tie for first before carding one of only four sub-par rounds during the 54-hole tournament to pull away and win his first intercollegiate tournament.

The C-USA recognition was the second time in his career Brown has been named the league's Golfer of the Week.

In addition to Brown, UCF's Carolin Pinegger was also named C-USA's Golfer of the Week after leading the Knights to the Hurricane Invitational championship.

Rice has little time to reflect on its success as the Owls return to tournament play next week when they travel to the J.L. Lewis Intercollegiate hosted by Texas State. The tournament will be played at The Bandit golf course in New Braunfels next Monday and Tuesday.

McNeese Golf to Play in UTA Classic

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA (September 20, 2009) McNeese State's golf team opens its fall season by playing in the UTA Classic at the Waterchase Golf Course in Ft. Worth, TX on Monday and Tuesday.

Making up the Cowboy team will be Ben Suarez, David Wiggins, Corey Halsell, Derek Bonvillain and Dayton Bordelon.

Suarez led a five round qualifying tournament over the past two weeks by shooting one under par 359 while Wiggins was at 361 and Halsell at 363. Wiggins, Halsell and Bonvillain all posted the low single round, a three under 69.

UTA's tournament calls for 36 holes to be played on Monday and 18 on Tuesday.

It’s going to be a good tournament for the Cowboys to start off in. UTA is one of the stronger teams in the conference and the field will be 17 teams including seven other squads from the Southland.

Other teams entered are Central Arkansas, Houston Baptist, Louisiana Tech, Nicholls State, Oklahoma Christian, Rice, Sam Houston State, SFA, Texas State, UT San Antonio,UC Irvine,UC Riverside,UNO, Wichita State, North Texas and Western Kentucky.

Rice in Eighth at C-USA Championship

SORRENTO, FLORIDA (April 20, 2009) Rice University moved up a spot to eighth place and is within reach of a Top 6 finish following the second round of the Conference USA Championship being played at RedTail Golf Club (par 72, 7152 yards).

On Monday, rain showers delayed the finish of the second round just as the final groups headed toward the clubhouse. Played resumed later in the afternoon and tournament host UCF held onto the lead for the second straight day.

Rice shot a 300 as a team Monday and has a two-round score of 592 (+16). Just ahead of the Owls in sixth place is Tulsa (+13) while Houston is in seventh (+14) heading into Tuesday’s final round.

UCF’s Simon Ward had an eagle on the par-5 seventh and birdied three other holes en route to a four-under 68 and is part of a three-way tie atop the leaderboard following the championship’s second round. UCF’s Blayne Barber and UAB’s Zach Sucher both carded 69s on Monday and find themselves tied with Ward for first place after 36 holes.

Ward and Barber helped UCF stay out in front in the team standings after 36 holes. The Knights are currently 11-under par for the tournament, four strokes in front of SMU and eight strokes ahead of third-place UAB.

Rice sophomore Michael Whitehead remains in the Top 10 individually after two rounds. Whitehead was two-over par for his Monday round and is currently tied for ninth at 143 (-1). He is six strokes off the lead.

Rice teammate Christopher Brown also had a two-over par round Monday and is currently tied for 17th with a 145 (+1), two-round score.

Rice will once again tee off from No. 10 on Tuesday beginning at 9:15 a.m. The Owls will be paired with Houston and Southern Miss for the final round.

Brown Named C-USA Golfer of the Week

IRVING, TEXAS (April 20, 2009) Rice University junior Christopher Brown was named the Conference USA Male Golfer of the Week on Wednesday following his performance at the Border Olympics, played last week in Laredo.

Brown was the top C-USA finisher at the event, finishing in a five-way tie for 15th while recording a three-round, six-over par 222. Brown opened play with back-to-back 75s before carding an even-par 72 during the final round to help lead the Owls to a 10th-place finish in the 16-team field.

Last month the Garland native placed second at the Rice Intercollegiate. In addition to the runner-up finish, he has two Top 15 performances during the 2008-09 season. Brown is currently averaging 74.43 strokes per round.

Rice has now had players of the week on successive weeks. Last week, sophomore Michael Whitehead was named co-player of the week after finishing in a tie for sixth at the 24th Annual Border Olympics earlier this month.

The Owls return to action March 30-31 when they travel to the Morris Williams Invitational which will be played at the University of Texas Golf Club in Austin.