Allen County Community College’s golf team battled only one team but also windy conditions to capture its third straight Region VI, Division II golf championship.
Led by individual champion Rob Carlson, the Red Devils captured the 2010 NJCAA Region VI, Division II Golf Championship Tuesday. The Red Devils played against Independence for the title at Coffeyville Country Club golf course.
Capturing the championship trophy along with Carlson were sophomores Will Clark, Nick Agnew, Bryant Welch and Gavin Cole.
“We’ve always had the goal to shoot in the 70s each round of 18. We had five out of 15 rounds of golf in the 70s,” said Mike Hayes, ACCC head coach.
“Rob had played well all year and he won the individual regional champions by four strokes.”
Carlson, a freshman from Topeka, opened the 54-hole tournament with a 75 on Monday and had 79 on the second round of 18.
“Nick was two strokes behind me after the second round and Will was five back,” Carlson said.
Carlson ended up with a 236 total. Clark and Welch finished tied for third with 241s.
Chris Moudy of Independence Community College made a strong charge at the Red Devils. Moudy shot an 84 in the first round. He came back to post two rounds of 78.
Agnew fell off the pace in the final round, shooting an 88 to end with a 244. Cole started off slow, 88, then had rounds of 85 and 84 to finish with a 257.
“It’s great to be regional champion. I’ve been looking forward to playing in this tournament all year,” Carlson said. “I’m glad the team gets to go to nationals also.”
Every one but Cole, who is from Moran. Qualification for the national tournament is by individual scores.
“Gavin didn’t qualify as an individual but he was part of our championship,” Hayes said. “He came on at the end to help us.”
As a team the Red Devils put together a 958 as the Pirates finished with a 1,017 team score. Allen County held a 48 stroke lead after Monday’s two rounds.
Carlson led the Red Devils throughout the Jayhawk Conference season.
“I’m driving the ball better than I did in high school. My iron work is improving and I just keep improving on the parts of my game,” Carlson said.
“I really excited about playing a different golf course.”
Agnew is from Topeka also. Clark is from Wamego and Welch comes from Goddard.
The NJCAA Division II Golf National Championship Tournament is May 18-21 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Red Devils Region VI champs
