LEXINGTON, N.C. — Powered by a standout performance from junior transfer
Bowdie Fox, the Montana State University Billings men's golf team finished runner-up at the Sapona Intercollegiate, posting a three-round total of 874 (283-299-292) at Sapona Country Club.
Fox led the way for the Yellowjackets, tying for third place individually with a three-round score of 213 (68-75-70) to finish even par for the tournament. The Grand Island, Nebraska native opened play with a stellar 3-under-par 68 to help MSUB seize the first-round lead and closed the event with a steady 70 in the final round. Fox also tied for the tournament lead with two eagles.
His opening round featured a memorable highlight as Fox recorded the first hole-in-one of his collegiate career. The ace helped fuel his career-best 68, while his 54-hole total of 213 shattered his previous personal best by seven strokes. Fox also excelled on par-3 holes, averaging 2.92 (-1) across the tournament.
MSUB's opening-round 283 marked the program's lowest 18-hole score since April 22, 2024, and helped the Yellowjackets jump out to the early tournament lead. Missouri S&T ultimately captured the team title with an 851, while Davis & Elkins rounded out the top three at 881.
The Yellowjackets were one of the most productive scoring teams in the field throughout the three-day event. MSUB finished third in total birdies with 37 and tied for second in par-5 scoring at 4.84 (-7). The Jackets also ranked tied for third in par-3 scoring at 3.15 and placed third in par-4 scoring with a 4.29 average. As a team, MSUB recorded two eagles and 154 pars during the tournament.
Mark Pramounmat added another strong finish for MSUB, tying for 11th overall with a score of 218 (72-74-72). The freshman delivered steady play throughout the event and was one of the most aggressive scorers in the field, finishing second overall with 13 birdies. His consistent play also placed him among the top performers on par-3 holes.
Aubrey Kelley followed closely behind, finishing 13th with a three-round total of 219 (72-73-74). Kelley turned in balanced rounds throughout the tournament and ranked among the top competitors in par-4 scoring with a 4.15 average, tying for eighth in that category.
Pete Netrnilweerachot secured a top 20 finish for the Yellowjackets, placing 19th with a score of 225 (71-78-76). His tournament was highlighted by a strong opening-round 71 that helped MSUB establish its early advantage in the team standings.
Cameron Hackmann rounded out the Yellowjackets' lineup, tying for 36th with a three-round score of 240 (82-77-81).
MSUB also had three individuals competing in the tournament.
Kaopun Akmaneenin tied for 29th with a score of 233 (77-77-79),
Ryan Badger tied for 33rd at 238 (79-81-78), and
Trey Engellant tied for 36th with a 240 (77-84-79).
As a team, the Yellowjackets set the tone early by firing a field-best 283 in the opening round to claim the first-day lead. MSUB remained firmly in contention throughout the tournament, but Missouri S&T surged ahead with rounds of 283 and 278 over the final two days to secure the championship.
THE BUZZ: Fox earned Intermountain Health Round of the Day honors twice during the tournament with his 3-under 68 in the opening round and his 1-under 70 in the final round.
UP NEXT: Montana State University Billings will look to build on the momentum when the Yellowjackets return to action March 30-31 at The Sam Proal in Pueblo, Colorado.
Sapona Intercollegiate
Results – March 7, 2026
Sapona Golf Club – Lexington, NC
Team – 1. Missouri S&T, 851 (290-283-278); 2. MSU Billings, 874 (283-299-292).
Individuals – 1. Aiden Hibbard, Cedarville 209 (69-72-68); T3.
Bowdie Fox, MSU Billings 213 (68-75-70); T11.
Mark Pramounmat, MSU Billings 218 (72-74-72); 13.
Aubrey Kelley, MSU Billings 219 (72-73-74); 19.
Pete Netrnilweerachot, MSU Billings 225 (71-78-76); T29.
Kaopun Akmaneenin (Ind), MSU Billings 233 (77-77-79); T33.
Ryan Badger (Ind), MSU Billings 238 (79-81-78); T36.
Cameron Hackmann, MSU Billings 240 (82-77-81); T36.
Trey Engellant, MSU Billings (Ind), MSU Billings 240 (77-84-79).
