In the second year of the men’s golf program at Mesa State, the team is on the way to play in its first regional tournament.

They had a successful season and took steps to be more competitive on a regional and national level. The golfers are all walk-ons.

They faced adversity after losing a few players after fall semester due to ineligibility and suspension.

“For them to finish sixth in the RMAC Championship, I couldn’t be more proud of the kids after everything they’ve had to deal with,” said Coach Paul Brown. “Right now they are peaking at the right time and realizing what the game of golf is really all about.”

At the beginning of fall semester, Brown gave the players goals which they had achieved by their second tournament.

Coming into spring semester, Brown reevaluated the team. He didn’t put as much pressure on the players because they lost the continuity.

“After the RMAC Championship, my expectation is that they go out and perform the very best that they can,” Paul said. “I am trying to convince them that every shot does count and just be in the moment.”

After the regional tournament the top five teams along with the top two individual players from the NCAA D-II Central / West Super Regional will advance to the NCAA D-II Championship. It will be held  May 17 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals in Florence, Ala.

Brown believes that sophomore Brandon Bingaman is capable of qualifying as one of the top individual performers. Bingaman has been one of the top performers on the team along with Eric Farmer.

“I’m thrilled for the team this year especially considering the adversity we have faced,” Bingaman said. “I think our play in the RMAC tournament shows what scores we are capable of in the tournament.”

The team starts play in The Central/West Super Regional held May 2 at the University of New Mexico Championship Golf Course in Albuquerque, N.M, it is hosted by Western New Mexico University.

afix@mesastate.edu