Trophy Hunting
As men’s golf embarks on the spring portion of its campaign, the goal of the Aggies is to realize their full potential and compete for championships.
Thomas Dick, Athletics Communications
As the Texas A&M men’s golf team embarks on the spring portion of its 2022-23 campaign, the goal of the Aggies is to realize their full potential and compete for championships. In his third season at the helm, head coach Brian Kortan knows he can put out a lineup that can hoist a trophy at every event they play.
2021-22 in Review
Texas A&M showed flashes of brilliance and title-winning form throughout the campaign, but come championship season, the Maroon & White were not satisfied with the results.
The Aggies won team titles at the Marquette Intercollegiate, Louisiana Classics and Aggie Invitational. They also finished just four strokes off the lead at the talent-laden Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate.
Texas A&M finished second in the stroke play portion of the SEC Championship and topped Tennessee (4-1) in the quarterfinal round before falling to Florida (3.5-1.5) in the semifinals.
The Maroon & White finished third at the NCAA Bryan Regional and advanced to the final site in Scottsdale, but failed to make the third-round cut at the NCAA Championship--placing 16th at the event.
Walker Lee claimed medalist honors at the Marquette Intercollegiate and Aggie Invitational and finished in the top 10 at seven events. Sam Bennett won the Louisiana Classics and logged seven top 10s, including six top-5 performances.
Bennett earned SEC Golfer of the Year and PING All-America First Team recognition while Lee was selected PING All-America Third Team.
“We didn’t get where we wanted to go,” head coach Brian Kortan said. “We played a lot of really good golf. Sam Bennett, William Paysse and Walker Lee had really good seasons and did great things for us. But in the end, the goal was to get into match play in Arizona and we didn’t quite get there. It leaves a sour taste in your mouth, but it laid the groundwork for what we have here in the lineup now and the guys that return. I think it left them a little hungry, thinking that they left something out there.”
Fall Recap
Heading into the fall, Aggieland celebrated Bennett’s monumental victory at the 122nd United States Amateur. But the Maroon & White proved to be much more than a one-man band, capturing two team titles with strong performances up and down the lineup.
The Aggies outclassed the 18-team field at the Badger Invitational, besting host Wisconsin by 11 strokes. Paysse won his second career event, shooting 9-under 135.
Texas A&M took the title at the Blessings Collegiate Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas, outdistancing the runner-up Ole Miss by 20 strokes. The highlight of the event was three players, Daniel Rodrigues, Bennett and Phichaksn Maichon carding sub-70 scores in the second round as the Aggies posted a 273. Rodrigues picked up his first individual tournament title.
“We won two tournaments in the fall,” Kortan said. “We had a nice fall with some really good rounds and then had a couple of rounds that we were pretty disappointed with, but in general, I think we are kind of learning how good we can be and that there’s room for us to grow. I think there’s a lot there and it’s up to Coach (Matt) Fast and myself to push these guys and get them to believe that they can do some great things.”
Meet the Aggies
Sam Bennett – Senior – Madisonville, Texas
- 122nd United States Amateur Champion – 2022.
- 2022 PING All-America First Team.
- 2022 SEC Golfer of the Year.
“Sam needs to compartmentalize a bit. He’s got a lot going on right now because of being a reigning U.S. Amateur Champion. He’s going to need to slow himself down a little bit and be able to focus on our collegiate events when we’re there. He also does a great job at home. He wants to finish school and get his degree which I know he will. Just him putting in good work here at home so it travels well and be one of the best players in the country like he can be.” - Coach Kortan
Matthew Denton – Junior – Austin, Texas
- 2022 SEC Academic Honor Roll.
- 2020 SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll.
“Matthew’s a really good team guy. He’s an Aggie through and through. We can count on him to do whatever we need him to do. He’s really a good member of the team and does all the things right.”
Dallas Hankamer – Sophomore- Temple, Texas
- Posted a 70.50 stroke average in the fall, playing in one tournament, a 28th place finish at the Badger Invitational.
- Competed in four tournaments as a freshman, tying for third at the Washington County Individual in Hartford, Wisconsin (10-under, 134).
“Dallas is kind of untapped potential. We keep looking for him and pushing him to take that next step which is to start beating the guys at home and then get on the road for us. He has a lot of talent and I really think he’s got a big upside. We've just got to get him to get over the hump a little bit.”
Michael Heidelbaugh – Sophomore – Dallas, Texas
- Srixon/Cleveland All-America Scholar – 2022.
- Tied for 12th place with a 4-under 140 at the Badger Invitational.
- Played in eight tournaments in 2021-22 with a season-best 12th place finish at the Marquette Invitational.
“Michael’s battled consistency really. He’s played some great golf for us and some really timely rounds, but he’d be the first one to tell you that he was disappointed this fall. He will continue to work on ball control and push for a spot in the lineup. He’s just a super, mature kid and so valuable to what we do here.”
Junmin “Jimmy” Lee – Senior – Mission, Texas
- Named to SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2021 and 2022.
- Earned SEC All-Freshman Team in 2019-20 after posting a 72.22 scoring average in six tournaments.
“Jimmy came to us as one of the best junior amateurs in the country. He’s had a few health things that hit him as far as he broke his arm, and he really hasn’t gotten back over the hump as the Jimmy we saw before that. Hopefully this semester he can find that guy again. He’s been working pretty hard, and I think he’s looked in the mirror a little bit and been more self-aware about who he is so hopefully he can fight that fight and get over the hump.”
Phichaksn Maichon – Sophomore – Bangkok, Thailand
- Registered a 71.56 stroke average in nine rounds this fall, posting three sub-70 rounds.
- Competed in 10 tournaments as a freshman in 2021-22, registering a 73.37 stroke average.
- Held the day two lead at the SEC Championships.
“P keeps getting better. He’s a great worker, listens well and has played some really great golf for us. He has become a lineup guy and I really do look for him to be a main guy in what we do this spring.”
Jaime Montojo – Freshman – Madrid, Spain
- Recorded a 72.00 stroke average in eight rounds in the fall.
- In fall 2022, placed third in a field of 28 at the Badger Invitational individual tournament with a 1-over 143 at Pleasant View Golf Course.
- Earned SEC Freshman of the Week after an 18th place finish at the Blessings Collegiate invitational.
“Jaime was a part of the winning team in Arkansas. He played some really good rounds at home. I think he’s getting adjusted to college life. He’s talented and we’re looking for him to fight for that lineup spot. I mean he’s going to push some guys in front of him and if he takes the steps to get in the lineup, I think he’ll be a tough guy to get out of the lineup.”
Evan Myers – Junior – Northbrook, Illinois
- Two-time member of the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll.
- In fall 2022, placed fifth in a field of 28 at the Badger Invitational individual tournament with a 4-over 146 at Pleasant View Golf Course.
- Participated in four tournaments as an individual in 2021-22 with a best finish of 8th at the Aggie Invitational.
“Evan keeps getting better. He’s played a little bit for us. He’s really done a good job at home. He’s a tireless worker doing a great job in school. There is a lot of potential there for him to be a piece of what we do this spring.”
William Paysse – Senior – Belton, Texas
- Posted a 71.75 stroke average in three fall tournaments, including earning co-medalist honors at the Badger Invitational.
- Played in 11 tournaments in 2021-22, registering a 72.09 stroke average and seven top 25 finishes.
- Earned All-SEC First Team and Freshman All-SEC, as well as PING All-America honorable mention in 2020.
“Willie’s the consummate player. He’s the old man on the roster. Willie kind of just goes about his business. He posts a lot of good scores. There is not a lot of flash in Willie, but we add up those good numbers and they sure make a coach happy. So, we’re looking for a great spring out of him, it's his last one here and I know he’s excited to finish it off the right way.”
Daniel Rodrigues– Junior – Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- SEC Golfer of the Week on Oct. 14 following his win at the Blessings Intercollegiate and (11-under 205).
- Carded a 70.00 stroke average in four fall tournaments with two top 10s.
- Registered a 72.23 stroke average in 10 tournaments in 2021-22, including top 10 finishes at the John A. Burns Intercollegiate (t-4th) and the Louisiana Classics (t-6th).
“I think Daniel got a taste of what he could potentially do in college this fall, winning a golf tournament with some of the best golf I’ve seen. He’s learning to work and understanding what it takes to be successful, week in and week out. The more he believes in that process, the better and more consistent he’ll be. He’s one of our very important guys on the team.”
Vishnu Sadagopan – Sophomore – Pearland, Texas
- Posted a 70.00 stroke average in three fall tournaments, recording top-10 finishes at the Badger Invitational (t-7th) and the Golf Club of Georgia Collegiate (t-5th).
- Participated in the 2022 United States Amateur Championship.
- Played in three events in 2021-22, placing 13th at the Washington County Invitational.
“Vishnu is so unique in his development. We knew when he got here, it was going to take a few years. He needed to spend time in the gym and wasn’t physically where he needed to be. The closer he gets to becoming what he needs to become to be successful, the better he’s gotten. He is a tireless worker, a great student and played some really good golf for us this fall. I’m looking forward to seeing what spring does for him."
Joe Stover – Freshman – Dallas, Texas
- Helped lead Highland Park to its 22nd UIL state championship in 2021.
- Recorded five top-7 finishes in nine events during the summer of 2021.
“Joe is a freshman, so I think he’s finding his way a little bit. He has great potential. I’m not sure if he’s going to compete with us this spring or possibly redshirt. We are looking for him to put in good work while continuing to improve.”
Tournaments to Watch
The Aggies tune up for championship season with six tournaments. They head west for the first three and travel east for the next two before hosting the finale at Traditions Club.
“I really like our schedule and how it’s spaced out,” Kortan said. “There is a nice variety in challenges both as far as courses and the competition.”
The Aggies are headed to the Arizona Intercollegiate (Tucson, Arizona) on Jan. 30-31, John A. Burns Intercollegiate (Lihue, Hawai’i) on Feb. 16-18 and Southern Highlands Collegiate (Las Vegas) on Feb. 26-28.
The last time Texas A&M played at the Arizona Intercollegiate, it placed fourth at Sawailo Golf Course in 2019. The Aggies finished second in 2018 and fourth in 2017.
“Tucson is a good place to get started,” Kortan said. “Hopefully we catch some good weather down there and kind of get the guys warmed up for the season.”
They finished fifth out of 18 at last year’s Burns Intercollegiate with Bennett and Rodrigues placing second and fourth, respectively. Texas A&M won the Burns in February 2020 highlighted by Bennett’s third-place finish.
“Hawai’i is a great team trip,” Kortan said. “We have had a lot of success there and that’s the one that usually kicks off our spring as far as how we see ourselves. We gain some confidence from that one and it lays some groundwork for where we can go.”
Last year’s Southern Highlands Collegiate featured seven top-25 squads, including three top-10 teams. The 2023 field is expected to be just as formidable.
“Southern Highlands has a tremendous field, and it will be a good test for us,” Kortan said. “We’ll see how we stack up against some of the best teams in the country. As far as the fields go, that will probably be the best one in the spring.”
The Aggies and Bennett look to defend their respective titles at the Louisiana Classics at Oakbourne Country Club in Lafayette on March 13-14.
“We have a great trip in Lafayette,” Kortan said. “We’ll see a bunch of Aggies over there, have a great time and get some crawfish. The guys get to have a tournament on a course that can yield some good scores, so it’s a good test and a good field. It’s fun to go over there. They run a great event and they’re very hospitable.”
The Aggies travel to Palm City, Florida, for one of the nation’s most prestigious events, the Valspar Collegiate Invitational at Floridian National Golf Club on March 27-28. Last year’s field included seven top-25 teams, including four top-10 squads.
“The Floridian is another event we look forward to ever year because the golf course is just fantastic,” Kortan said. “We’re fortunate to play great golf courses, but the Floridian is one we really look forward to playing and it will be a great field. The team circles the date on their calendars every year because they’re excited to play the Floridian.”
The regular season ends on the friendly confines of Traditions Club at the Aggie Invitational on April 10-11. Last season, the Aggies won the team title while Walker Lee earned medalist honors. Bennett and Evan Myers both finished in the top 10.
“The tournament that sets us up for the postseason is the Aggie Invitational,” Kortan said. “We like to defend our home turf and play here in front of family and friends. That one really puts a seal on the regular season. We put on a good tournament that sets us up for the postseason and gets some momentum going into that part of our year.”
Postseason Schedule
The Aggies head to the SEC Championships from April 19-23 at Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside Course in St. Simons Island, Georgia. It marks the 22nd consecutive year the course hosts the league tournament. Texas A&M is looking for its first SEC title.
“We’ve had a lot of success there,” Kortan said. “We haven’t won the SEC yet but there have been several good teams that haven’t. We have been close a few times. Our guys look forward to that event. They love competing at that venue and against those teams, trying to win a championship. It sets up well for us. It’s a great golf course, a good test and the guys really get excited about playing there.”
The NCAA Regionals are slated for May 15-17 at six sites. The site nearest to Aggieland is 360 miles away at Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club in Norman, Oklahoma. The other sites include Auburn University Golf Club (Auburn, Alabama), Eagle Eye (Bath, Michigan), Bear’s Best Las Vegas, The Institute Golf Club (Morgan Hill, California) and The Cliffs at Keowee Falls (Salem, South Carolina).
“In our program, we just talk about how good golf takes care of itself,” Kortan said. “We’ll play wherever they send us and tee it up. I know that our good golf travels and it’ll get us to Scottsdale.”
The national championship will be decided from May 26-31 at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Grayhawk does a fantastic job,” Kortan said. “They ran a great event last year. NCAA does a really nice job of making the athletes feel like it’s a national championship. Our guys got a taste of it last year. I think it kind of caught us by surprise pertaining to how far the golf ball was going and the firmness of the golf course. We adjusted to it for the week but got behind. So, I think they are excited to go. They know what it’s going to look like, they know it’s going to be hot and breezy. I think they are ready for that, and the spring will prepare them to be successful. We’ll make sure their heads are right.
“Our mantra always is: our good golf can compete with everybody. We’ve got to figure out how good we really can be as far as putting those scores together and holding ourselves to that standard. We need to believe that our good golf is good enough to win and it really is when you get down to it. Especially when you get through stroke play and get into match play. It’s not spectacular golf that wins. It's the guys that put the best golf together in multiple rounds. Our guys are mature, and they enjoy that challenge. They always dig in their heels and fight, so I think when we get there, they’ll be excited to play.”
