The Harding men's golf team, ranked 24th, finds itself in a competitive position at the NCAA Division II Midwest/Central Regional tournament. After two rounds played at St. Joseph Country Club, they are tied for fifth place with three other teams. The competition is fierce, as only the top four teams will advance to the national championship following Saturday's final round. Notable performances include Dennis Staykov and Jose Manuel Peralta tying for 20th individually, while Finlay Cummings showcased impressive skill with an eagle on the par-5 10th hole.
Competing in St. Joseph, Missouri, the Harding Bisons displayed resilience during the regional event. Following an opening round score of 296 (+12), the team improved significantly with a second-round score of 289 (+5). This consistency places them firmly in contention alongside several strong contenders. Central Oklahoma currently leads the pack with a team total of 4-over, setting a high benchmark for others to reach.
Individual achievements have been noteworthy as well. Dennis Staykov and Jose Manuel Peralta each shot a 2-over 73 in the second round, securing their tie for 20th place overall. Meanwhile, Finlay Cummings delivered one of the standout moments of the tournament by scoring an eagle on the challenging par-5 10th hole. His performance helped propel him into 37th place individually, despite finishing at 6-over.
José Arzu also contributed meaningfully to the team effort, shooting 2-over 73 in the second round and achieving two birdies on the back nine. His current standing is 48th place at 7-over. On the other hand, Christian Lindgreen faces challenges after posting a score of 12-over but continues striving toward improvement.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain focused on Central Oklahoma, who lead the competition at 4-over. Individually, Marco Anderson from Washburn sets the pace with a remarkable 4-under score. With one more round left to play, the Harding Bisons aim to elevate their game further and secure one of the coveted spots at the national championship.