In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Eric Lee sealed the deal for Oklahoma State, leading the Cowboys to their 12th NCAA men’s golf championship after defeating Josh Duangmanee 2 up. This marks a significant achievement for the team, their first title in eight years, celebrated on the picturesque greens of La Costa in Carlsbad, California.
The action came to a head on the par-4 17th hole when Lee drained an impressive 25-foot birdie putt, showcasing his poise under pressure. As the competition pushed into the final hole, Lee expertly chipped to five feet on the par-5 18th before Duangmanee’s missed birdie attempt from 15 feet cut short any hopes for Virginia, allowing Lee to wrap up the win with a conceded birdie.
Notably, Lee’s clutch performance followed a heroic 6-foot par putt the day before that propelled Oklahoma State past Mississippi in the semifinals. Prior to that, the Cowboys had triumphed over their Bedlam rivals, Oklahoma, in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for a triumphant finale.
“It’s such a great feeling,” said Lee, reflecting the camaraderie and connection he has developed with his teammates throughout a remarkable season.
On a day marked by clouds and comfortable temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, other Cowboys put in impressive performances as well, with freshman Filip Fahlberg-Johnsson, Gaven Lane, and Ethan Fang all contributing with match victories. Fahlberg-Johnsson kicked things off with a solid 3-and-1 win against Maxi Puregger. Lane continued the momentum, delivering Oklahoma State’s second point with a commanding 4-and-3 victory over Paul Chang. With Lee’s match already clinching the championship for the Cowboys, Fang’s contest against Bryan Lee concluded after 15 holes, with Fang leading 1 up.
For Virginia, the day wasn’t devoid of bright moments. Ben James, ranked No. 4 in the amateur world rankings, secured the Cavs’ lone victory over Preston Stout with a solid 3-and-2 finish. Although they aimed for their first team title, the experience gained will be invaluable as they look to build on this campaign in the seasons to come.
Oklahoma State’s head coach, Alan Bratton, celebrated his second title in 12 seasons and highlighted the promise ahead. “Fortunately, we have all these guys back, and we’ll go to work on the next one starting tomorrow,” he said, indicating that the foundation for future success is already taking shape.
This championship not only reinforces Oklahoma State’s storied legacy in collegiate golf but also serves as a testament to the dedication and teamwork that have become hallmarks of their program. As they bask in the glow of victory, there’s no question that the Cowboys are a force to be reckoned with in the seasons ahead.
