News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The No. 19 Texas A&M men’s golf triumphed at its home tournament, winning the Aggie Invitational by nine strokes over No. 6 Oklahoma. The Maroon & White were powered by Phichaksn Maichon who earned medalist honors by holding his own at Traditions Club.
On a day where the par-72, 7,215 course was not handing out many birdies, the Aggies grinded out a 6-over 294 to improve their Saturday lead by two strokes. The Ol’ Sarge’s charges posted a three-round tally of 3-over 867 to outdistance the Sooners (+12 – 876). Louisiana (+22) and Sam Houston (+22) tied for third while Baylor (+32) rounded out the top five.
The victory marked the Aggies third tournament title of the season. They also won crowns at the Furman Invitational and the Sea Best Invitational.
Maichon claimed the fourth tournament title of his career. Along with the Sea Best Invitational in January, this marks the first time the Bangkok, Thailand, native won multiple tournaments in a season.
With just six players breaking par Sunday, Maichon had the top round at 3-under 69. He finished the tournament at 6-under 210, as the only player to clear par all three rounds. Maichon finished five strokes ahead of second-place Malan Potgieter of Louisiana.
Texas A&M had three more players in the top six. Aaron Pounds fired an even 72 Sunday to finish even 216, claiming sole possession of third place. Wheaton Ennis finished two strokes back in fifth place at 2-over 218. Jaime Montojo, who shared Aggie Invitational medalist honors last season, finished in sixth place playing as an individual. He tallied a 4-over 220.
Playing in their last Aggie Invitational, seniors Michael Heidelbaugh and Vishnu Sadagopan rounded out the fivesome to contribute to the team victory. Heidelbaugh finished tied for 21st at 8-over 224. Sadagopan posted a 14-over 230 to finish 41st place.
It marked the sixth Aggie Invitational title for Texas A&M and the Maroon & White’s first time winning the event since 2022.
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UP NEXT…
Texas A&M heads to St. Simons Island, Georgia to play in the SEC Championship from April 23-27.
TEXAS A&M QUOTES
Head Coach Brian Kortan
On three seniors winning their last tournament at home…
“Man, you’re trying to get me emotional. It’s awesome whenever you get a chance to win, especially playing a quality team like Oklahoma. We’ve got so much respect for them and their guys. It’s a great win for these guys, and it really shows what they’re made of. The golf course had a lot of bite, but they brought fire every single day.”
On Phichaksn Maichon being the only player to stay under even…
“P was really solid this week. He controlled the golf ball well and stayed relaxed. It took him about the full 18 on the first day to settle in, but today he was in control the whole way. Most of our guys were in control. They really did a good job. The course was an absolute test and a strong challenge for our guys, I thought they did a fantastic job.”
On carrying this win onto the postseason…
“It does put the team in a good mindset, but we’ve got to keep building, keep getting better, and keep getting stronger. I’ve been proud of how hard these guys have worked to improve. They’ve owned it. They knew they had room to grow, and they worked hard to climb the ladder. To do it this week and to do it at home, which is always a little different because you know the pitfalls of your own place so well, they did a hell of a job. I’m super proud of them. We’re going to enjoy this one for a minute.”
Senior Phichaksn Maichon
On how special it was winning at home…
“Yeah, it was awesome. I had fallen short a couple of times do it was good to do it one last time here at A&M. I’m just excited to defend my home turf and take the win. Just like coach says I would hate to hand it to anyone else so overall it was a good tournament. “
On being successful despite the challenging course…
“I’m definitely hitting it better and heading in the right direction sliding into the start of postseason. I kept it in play, kept it in front of me. Overall, it made it a lot easier keeping it in the right spot.”
On how special it was for him and all the seniors playing at home for the last time…
“Winning at home and winning in front of your home field and crowd, it’s special. It’s a big confident booster and I’m glad I got it done.”
TEAM STANDINGS
|
1 |
Texas A&M |
+3 |
281-292-294=867 |
|
2 |
Oklahoma |
+12 |
284-296-296=876 |
|
t-3 |
Louisiana |
+22 |
294-295-297=886 |
|
t-3 |
Sam Houston |
+22 |
300-295-291=886 |
|
5 |
Baylor |
+32 |
286-309-301=896 |
|
6 |
New Mexico State |
+33 |
299-299-299=897 |
|
7 |
Lamar |
+42 |
301-310-295=906 |
|
8 |
North Texas |
+51 |
309-304-302=915 |
|
9 |
Rice |
+55 |
306-310-303=919 |
|
10 |
Tarleton State |
+64 |
306-313-309=928 |
|
11 |
UTSA |
+67 |
305-312-314=931 |
|
12 |
Louisiana Tech |
+90 |
315-321-318=954 |
TEXAS A&M SCORES
|
|
TEAM |
|
|
|
1 |
Phichaksn Maichon |
-6 |
71-70-69=210 |
|
3 |
Aaron Pounds |
E |
69-75-72=216 |
|
5 |
Wheaton Ennis |
+2 |
68-75-75=218 |
|
t-21 |
Michael Heidelbaugh |
+8 |
73-73-78=224 |
|
t-41 |
Vishnu Sadagopan |
+14 |
77-74-79=230 |
|
|
INDIVIDUALS |
|
|
|
t-6 |
Jaime Montojo |
+4 |
75-71-74=220 |
|
t-25 |
Jacob Sosa |
+9 |
73-72-80=225 |
|
t-32 |
Alex Long |
+5 |
74-75=149 |
|
t-43 |
Jack Usner |
+15 |
79-74-78=153 |
|
t-54 |
Jake Maggert |
+18 |
80-77-77=234 |