BORREGO SPRINGS, Cal.- Highlighting the Montana State University Billings Yellowjacket men's golf team at the Battle in the Desert, senior
Lucas Howell ties his single round career low (67) and three round score (213) to lead the 'Jackets to a 13
th place finish. Howell not only shot his best on the final round but also shot the lowest round across the entire 80-man field.
"It felt really to be outside in warm conditions to see what we are made on in a tough field and a challenging course," said head coach
Adam Buie. "The greens were only four months old and very firm, making approach shots extremely difficult to gauge."
The 'Jackets didn't show their best stuff on the first two rounds but with the help of Howells 67 they shot a 293 on the final round to finish two strokes ahead of #3 CSU Pueblo. Howell finished T-5th overall, his best as a Yellowjacket and posted a final score of 213 (72, 74, 67). "I played well today, I just really tried to stay within myself and not try to do too much which helped me stay in the moment and ultimately go low on the score card," said Howell. "The course set up well for my style of golf and I did my best to take advantage of that."
HEAR FROM BUIE:
"We had two very solid rounds but had a disappointing second round that cost us. It was a very difficult course with some changing winds that made it tough on the first two rounds. We bested the number three team in D2 this week so although we didn't play out best it was a big win for us. Lucas had a great tournament finishing tied for 5
th overall and a 67 on that course is superb.
Following Howell on the MSUB scorecard was
Paul O'Neil who tied for 33
rd place overall and posted a three-round total of 224 (72, 78, 74).
Carson Garner trailed O'Neil and came into the clubhouse with a final three round score of 229 (76, 79, 74) and tied for 55
th place overall. Rounding it out for the Yellowjackets was
Liam O'Halloran who tied for 70
th with a final score of 236 (77, 81, 78), and
Blake Finn who tied for 77
th with a final score of 240 (79, 81, 80).
THE BUZZ: Lucas Howell was named Intermountain Health Player of the Tournament after tying his single round career low (67) on the final round and tying his three round tournament total (213) while placing T-5
th overall.
COMING UP: The Montana State University Billings Yellowjacket men's golf team has some time off before they head to Turlock, CA for the Hanny Stanislaus Invitational at Turlock Country Club on March 25
th.
Battle in the Desert
Final Results – February 28, 2024
Rams Hill Golf Club – Borrego Springs, California
Team – 1. Florida Southern, 867 (286-288-293); 13. MSU Billings, 902 (297-312-293).
Individuals – 1. Simon Bjorken, Cal State Monterey Bay 211 (70-71-71); T-5.
Lucas Howell, MSUB 213 (72-74-67); T-33.
Paul O'Neil, MSUB 224 (72-78-74); T-55.
Carson Garner, MSUB 229 (76-79-74); T-70.
Liam O'Halloran, MSUB 236 (77-81-78); T-77.
Blake Finn, MSUB 240 (79-81-80).
