University of Missouri
The Hootie at Bull's Bay
@MizzouMensGolf to Play in The Hootie at Bull’s Bay Before Returning Home
3/24/2018 4:18:00 PM | Men's Golf
Tigers aim to make it two straight following win at GCU Invitational
AWENDAW, S.C. – Mizzou Men's Golf is out on the road once again, turning its attention to The Hootie at Bull's Bay to close out the month (March 25 – March 27). The Tigers are coming off of their second tournament win of the season, holding off University of the Pacific and host Grand Canyon University to win the GCU Invitational by two strokes, adding another trophy to their clubhouse case. Despite the win, the Tigers remain just outside the Top-25, but are one of 11 teams not currently ranked that is receiving votes.
Leading the team onto the links in South Carolina is sophomore Rory Franssen (Inverness, Scotland), who is now rounding into form after sitting out the first spring event. Franssen is heating up again at the right time for head coach Mark Leroux much like he did last spring. Franssen has now finished two straight events in the individual top-30, finishing 27th at the Auburn Tiger Invitational and tied for 16th at the GCU Invitational. His 16th place individual finish was the 10th Top-25 finish of his young career.
Freshman Jamie Stewart (Renfrewshire, Scotland) follows Franssen in the lineup. Stewart is now back on track after missing an event of his own at the Auburn Tiger Invitational. The freshman played well in Phoenix, shaking off the rust to the tune of a 30th place individual finish (69-73-77--219).
Following Stewart in the lineup is junior Matt Echelmeier (Columbia, Mo.), who has quietly put together the best spring season of his career so far. The Columbia, Missouri, native has played excellent recently, finishing in the Top-25 in Opelika, Alabama, while finishing in the Top-10 in Phoenix. Echelmeier is averaging just 71.5 strokes-per-round over his last two events.
Senior Hayden Buckley (Belden, Miss.) is in the fourth slot for the first time this season following his fourth place finish at the GCU Invitational. Buckley's stellar senior season continued this week, as he was named a finalist for the Bryon Nelson Award, which recognizes a graduating senior who has shown academic excellence, athletic prowess and integrity over the course of their entire collegiate career. Buckley also moved back into Golfstat.com's Individual Top-5 to cap off what has been an excellent two week stretch for the senior.
Rounding out the competitive five for Leroux is senior Trevor Ullestad (Jewell, Iowa). Ullestad remains a stalwart in the fifth spot for the Black & Gold.
For all the latest on Mizzou Men's Golf, stay tuned to MUTigers.com or follow the program on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@MizzouMensGolf).
