CARLSBAD, Calif. — It was a triumphant day for Oklahoma State as they clinched their 12th NCAA men’s golf title, marking their first championship in eight years. The Cowboys solidified their victory with a commanding 4-1 win over Virginia at La Costa, showcasing both talent and composure throughout the matches.
The spotlight was on Eric Lee, a sophomore who made a significant impact in the championship match against Josh Duangmanee. Lee seized the momentum with a remarkable 25-foot birdie putt on the par-4 17th hole, setting the stage for his emotional finish. He then found himself on the par-5 18th, where he deftly chipped to just 5 feet, sealing the deal with a conceded birdie after Duangmanee’s crucial 15-foot putt slid by. It was a finish that personified Lee’s drive and skill, giving him the winning point just a day after he demonstrated nerves of steel by sinking a 6-foot par putt on the 19th hole against Mississippi in the semifinals.
“It’s such a great feeling,” Lee expressed, reflecting the camaraderie and hard work shared among his teammates.
On a cloudy afternoon, with temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, the Cowboys showcased their strength through the contributions of their players. Swedish freshman Filip Fahlberg-Johnsson set the tone early by clinching the opening match against Maxi Puregger, winning 3 and 1. Following closely behind, Gaven Lane added to the tally with a 4-and-3 victory over Paul Chang in the fourth match. By the time Lee secured his match, Ethan Fang was holding his ground against Bryan Lee, being 1 up when Fang’s match was called after 15 holes due to the team’s overall victory.
Virginia’s Ben James, ranked No. 4 in the amateur world standings, secured the lone point for the Cavaliers, defeating Preston Stout 3 and 2. This matchup was particularly poignant for Virginia as they aimed for their first team title, but ultimately, it was Oklahoma State’s day to shine.
As the celebration kicked off, head coach Alan Bratton, savoring his second title in 12 seasons, was already looking ahead. “Fortunately, we have all these guys back, and we’ll go to work on the next one starting tomorrow,” he stated, signaling the unwavering ambition of a program that clearly has its sights set on continued success.
With this victory, Oklahoma State has not only reclaimed a place among the elite in college golf but also established a strong foundation with a promising group of young talent ready to take on future challenges.
