Aggies Ready to Battle as Spring Arrives
Jackson Osborn, Texas A&M Athletics Communications
The Texas A&M men’s golf team kicks off the spring with a motivation to make an impact in the championship portion of the slate. Grinding tooth and nail throughout the offseason, the Aggies aim for continuous progress and, using a driven mindset, battle with the best in the SEC and the NCAA. Heading into his fifth year, head coach Brian Kortan is looking to build on late fall success.
2023-24 IN REVIEW
The Aggies built on their accolades last season, marked by significant growth and the infusion of new talent. Texas A&M showed steady development throughout the year but ultimately felt unfulfilled by how the season ended.
Texas A&M secured the title at the Louisiana Classics, while also finishing near the top at several other tournaments. They were in contention for titles throughout the season, including finishing runner-up at the Aggie Invitational and third-place showings at the Marquette Intercollegiate and Furman Invitational. Throughout the season, the Maroon & White demonstrated their trademark resilience and determination.
The Aggies capped off the spring with a strong performance at the NCAA Regionals. The squad, led by solid performances from both veterans and newcomers, secured their spot in the NCAA Championships. At the championship, the Aggies fought hard but ultimately finished in 20th place.
“In the end, we didn’t quite get where we wanted to go,” Kortan said. “But overall, the development within the team was incredible. We had strong leadership from Dani (Rodrigues), and our group showed a lot of growth throughout the season. Of course, we wanted to be a little stronger at the end, but it was a really good year for our team, and the progress they made was significant.”
FALL RECAP
The Aggies displayed flashes of brilliance throughout the fall but admitted to a slower start than expected. However, by the end of the autumn, they were playing their best golf, winning the Furman Intercollegiate and finishing second at the Qubein Cup. Phichaksn Maichon led the team, finishing strong at the Furman with a runner-up showing, shooting 8-under while Aaron Pounds (t-3rd) and Jacob Sosa (t-5th) also cracked the top 10.
“It was a good fall. A nice building fall,” Kortan said. “We got off to a little slower start than we wanted to, but by the end of the fall, we were playing some really good golf. It was a good foundation for the spring.”
Kortan emphasized that the team worked hard throughout the offseason and came together in the fall, adding some new blood to the lineup while upperclassmen like Maichon stepped up.
With a solid foundation from the fall and promising talent emerging alongside veteran leadership, Texas A&M is poised to continue their upward trajectory in the spring and compete for championships on the national stage.
The Aggies look strong this year with seven returners and two promising new recruits — Wheaton Ennis and Alex Long.
“We added Wheaton, who comes with an impressive junior record, and Alex, who has been a great addition to our depth.” Kortan said.
Ennis has proven to be a key addition to the team, consistently performing well in every tournament. His best finish came at the Qubein Cup, where he placed sixth overall.
“Wheaton has traveled every week and had some really nice finishes for us,” Kortan said. “He’s been very steady and earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors once this fall, which was great to see.”
MEET THE AGGIES
Wheaton Ennis –Freshman– Eagle, Idaho
- Ended 2024 by participating in the prestigious Patriot All-America Invitational
- Earned SEC Freshman of the Week following the OFCC/Fighting Illini Invitational
- Wrapped up fall slotted No. 118 in the Scoreboard National Player Rankings powered by Clippd with a 69.8 adjusted scoring average in 15 rounds
- Best finish was a t-6th effort at the Qubein Cup hosted at Sedgefield Country Club
- Won the 100th Arizona Amateur at Phoenix Country Club in June 2024, never trailing in the title match
- Participated in the U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine, in August 2024, advancing to the round of 32
- Won seven Junior Golf Association of Arizona events between 2020-24, including the Thunderbirds Invitational in March ‘24
“Wheaton, as you know, is an Idaho kid committed to us really early, and has been just great to be around. He works his tail off. He earns it when he gets on the golf course which really resonates through most of our guys on our team. I mean, they work their tails off, and when they shoot good scores, it's earned. He is an outstanding player who fits in great with this squad. On the course, he’s posted some great rounds already in what we expect to be a stellar career. We looked to him to be one of the stalwarts in this program during his time here.” – Coach Kortan
Michael Heidelbaugh – Senior– Dallas, Texas
- Finished the fall slotted No. 277 in the Scoreboard National Player Ranking powered by Clippd with a 70.8 adjusted scoring average in 12 rounds.
- Owned a 71.1 adjusted stroke average last season in 39 rounds, ending the year at No. 286 on the Scoreboard Ranking with a 628-482-62 W-L-T
- Picked up Srixon/Cleveland All-America Scholar (2022) and GCAA All-America Scholar (2023) the last two years
- Recorded five top-20 finishes in 2023-2024, including a 14th place showing at the SEC Championships
- Father – Matthew – played golf at New Mexico State for legendary Coach Herb Wimberley
“He's one of the leaders of this group, a mature guy. He's played some really good golf for us. He's been there. Last year, he played really well for us in the spring and did some really nice things for us. He played some outstanding golf in the regionals. We look for him to be a big part of what we're doing. He's there for us, and he always answers the bell when we need him. And fortunately, he's gotten a lot better in his last couple years of being here.” – Coach Kortan
Alex Long – Freshman – Lakewood Ranch, Florida
- Has played in one tournament during his rookie campaign posting a 74.5 adjusted scoring average in three rounds
- Made collegiate debut at the Bayou City Collegiate Classic (9/30-10/1) at the Westwood Golf Club finishing t-49th with a 5-over 211 (71-73-77)
- Checked in at No. 26 among his class on the Junior Golf Scoreboard on signing day
- Earned three AJGA tournament titles, including two victories in 2023
- Claimed Florida State Golf Association Boys Junior Player of the Year and won the FJG Tour Championship in 2022
“Alex is pretty raw. He is finding his way a little bit in a pretty competitive situation. I expect that before he leaves Texas A&M, he will be a guy that puts up a lot of meaningful scores for us. A lot of these guys are coming in as freshmen and it's a building thing. We are still building these guys. They are really good at what they do but they still have to trust themselves, trust their foundations. It's starting to show with Alex. He is playing some really good golf for us.” – Coach Kortan
Jake Maggert – Sophomore – The Woodlands, Texas
- Finished t-23rd at the Bayou City Collegiate Classic at Westwood Golf Club in his only event last fall
- Best career finish is a t-6th showing at the All-American Individual at the Golf Club in Houston in March 2024
- Played in four rounds as a rookie logging a 72.8 adjusted scorching average in 12 rounds
- Finished 12th in the PGA National High School Golf Association 2022-23 Player Rankings
- Boasted a stellar career at The Woodlands Christian Academy where he won three consecutive TAPPS 5A state titles from 2021-23 along with fellow Aggies Aaron Pounds and Jack Usner
- Finished third individually at the 2023 TAPPS 5A state tournament
“Jake is a pretty mature kid. I think in the future we're going to rely on him in the team. In this aspect his golf has come a long way. Physically, he's catching up to where he needs to be. He needs to get where his scores get a little bit better, more consistently. But in general, I think he's a guy that can really play for us. I think he's got leadership qualities that we need, and those are supported as well. I look forward to him competing, creating his own opportunities with his ability, and taking over some leadership roles as we go forward.” – Coach Kortan
Phichaksn Maichon – Senior – Bangkok, Thailand
- Started 2025 by claiming the clinching match, leading Team Asia-Pacific to the Bonallack Trophy win
- Slotted No. 15 in the PGA Tour University ranking
- Earned spots on the Golf Channel Preseason All-America Second Team and Fred Haskins Award watch list
- Owns two career titles, the 2023 Huntsville Toyota Bearkat Invitational and the 2024 Louisiana Classics
- Participated in the Palmer Cup and U.S. Amateur (advancing to the round of 16) in summer 2024
- PING/GCAA Division I All-America Third Team in 2024 and Honorable Mention in 2023
- Earned All-SEC Second Team in 2023-24
"By the time Phichaksn leaves here after this semester, he's going to have one of the better career records we’ve ever had. That speaks for itself in terms of how he's performed wearing the Maroon & White. He's grown up a lot in the last couple years. He's been around some really good players and he's learned a lot from them. He continues to soak things up quickly. We've been on him a good bit. We know that for us to be a really good team, we need to play with our good P in the lineup. When P is playing good golf it sets an unbelieve foundation on which the rest of the team can build.” – Coach Kortan
Jaime Montojo – Junior – Madrid, Spain
- Earned NCAA Division I PING All-Central Region honors in 2023-24
- Played in The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon in June 2024
- Claimed his first collegiate victory, sharing medalist honors at the 2024 Aggie Invitational at Traditions Club
- Made his DP World Tour debut October 2023 in the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
- Played a key role in Spain’s 4-3 victory over Denmark to win the 2023 European Amateur Team Championship in Epilanges, Switzerland – winning the clinching match 2&1
- Made a late charge to finish t-13th at the 2023 European Amateur Championship in Parnu, Estonia
- Qualified for the match play portion of the 2023 Amateur Championship, bowing out in the round of 64
“If we can get him to believe in himself and consistently trust himself on the golf course, I think he's got an incredible ceiling. He's really played some good rounds for us. He scuttled a little bit this fall at times, but in general, I think he's just got tremendous ability. I enjoy watching him play. He's in the Spanish mold where he's got really good hands. He plays with a fire that's infectious. So if we can get him to believe in Jaime, he will be a good shape.” – Coach Kortan
Aaron Pounds – Sophomore – The Woodlands, Texas
- Finished the fall slotted No. 267 in the Scoreboard National Player Ranking powered by Clippd
- Capped off the fall with back-to-back top-15 showings, including a t-3rd effort at the Furman Intercollegiate, posting a 7-under 206 (68-68-70)
- Twice named an AJGA Rolex Junior All-American and was slotted as No. 1 player in the 2023 recruiting class
- Selected the 2021-22 All-USA Today National High School Boys Golfer of the Year
- Ended 2022-23 ranked No. 2 in the PGA High School Golf Association Player Rankings after topping the list in 2021-22
- Qualified for the 2022 USGA Junior Amateur
“Aaron had some growing pains. Obviously coming through as a highly touted freshman, he went through some tough rounds, but he's really come out on the other end. He has improved a ton. He has led us at home. Honestly, he's been the best qualifier we've had. And that's not an easy accomplishment, considering some of the guys on this team. He started to play really well on the road. The work that he's put in the last year and a half really started to translate to confidence and scores. He’s a great key to how successful this team can be. The kid loves being here, and loves being an Aggie.” – Coach Kortan
Vishnu Sadagopan – Senior – Pearland, Texas
- 2023 PING All-Central Region in 2023
- Earned GCAA All-America Scholar in 2023 and made the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll in 2022 and 2023
- Participated in the U.S. Amateur in 2022, coming up just two strokes shy of match play
- Posted three top-10 finishes in 2022-23, including earning All-Tournament recognition at the Louisiana Classics with a t-4th showing
- Registered two top-20 results in 2023-24
“During his career Vishnu has done a great job of catching up physically and playing some really good golf. He's kind of ridden the roller coaster a little bit in terms of his performance, but he is trending where we need him to be – where he could really help us this spring. As far as being an Aggie and being a teammate, there's been nobody that's ever been better at that. He is just a wonderful person and a guy that you know, in competitive situations, when he's playing well you can really count on him. That is good to be able to say that about one of your guys.” – Coach Kortan
Jacob Sosa – Junior – Austin, Texas
- Ranked No. 210 in the Scoreboard National Player Rankings powered by Clippd following the fall.
- Played in two tournaments in the autumn, posting a 70.5 adjusted scoring average in six rounds.
- Registered a t-5th finish at the Furman Intercollegiate, posting a 6-under 207 (71-65-71).
- Participated in nine tournaments for Texas in the 2023-24 campaign, registering a 72.5 scoring average.
- Finished the 2023-24 season at Texas ranked No. 109 in the Scoreboard Rankings, posting a 71.1 adjusted scoring average in 26 rounds.
- Experience includes 21 collegiate tournaments, with three career top-5 finishes.
- Best collegiate round was a University of Texas record-low 61 in the opening round of the Southwestern Invitational at Sherwood Country Club in January 2023.
"He is a really high-end talent. He was getting back to playing some really good golf this fall and then broke his finger right then at the end. He's had almost two months of inactivity. That was kind of a blow to him. His confidence was just getting back to where I knew it could get in terms of him being able to express his talent on the golf course. He's a super talented guy. When his confidence is up, he plays kind of fearless – not reckless, but fearless. He understands the game. He really won't back down from anything. We have to get his confidence back after the finger deal, and get him believing in himself and trusting what he's doing. I look for him to be a guy that really helps push this team.” – Coach Kortan
Jack Usner – Sophomore – The Woodlands, Texas
- Owns two career collegiate top 20 finishes in nine tournaments
- Played in four tournaments on the fall, posting a 72.1 adjusted scoring average in 12 rounds, finishing in the top 20 of the last two outings
- Boasted a stellar career at The Woodlands Christian Academy where he won three consecutive TAPPS 5A state titles from 2021-23 along with fellow Aggies Jake Maggert and Aaron Pounds
- Advanced to the Round of 32 at the USGA Amateur Four-Ball Championship teamed with Aaron Pounds in both 2022 and 2023
- Qualified for the 2022 USGA Junior Amateur
“Jack is a mad scientist. He's really improved over last year and is starting to understand how to play his best golf. He's tons of fun to be around. I really enjoy watching him work at the game, because he works differently than anybody I've ever seen. That's a very positive statement in terms of how he puts the time in. Not all his time is spent hitting golf balls. It is doing other things within the game, whether it's physically or just body wise. He has embraced the entire package. Watching him advance himself, physically, mentally and gaining control of his golf swing has been fun to watch. I’m looking forward to seeing where that takes him this spring and forward from there.” – Coach Kortan
TOURNAMENTS TO WATCH
The Texas A&M men’s golf team is entering the spring season with a familiar tournament slate. Kortan has once again structured a schedule designed to challenge his team, offering both variety in course strength and competition.
“The setup for our spring schedule is pretty similar to years past,” Kortan said. “We’ve adjusted slightly by not going back to Arizona, but we’ve been to Jacksonville before, and that match is something we’re really looking forward to.”
One of the changes this year comes with the Sea Best Invitational in Jacksonville to start the season Feb. 3-4. The Aggies won the event in 2022 at TPC Sawgrass. The tournament moved to a different course, Atlantic Beach Country Club, for the 2025 edition. Kortan sees it as a perfect fit for the start of the season.
“January can be tough weather-wise,” Kortan explained. “But this is an easy trip as far as getting in and out, and it’s a good place to start.”
After the season opener in Jacksonville, the Aggies travel to several prestigious events. The John A. Burns Intercollegiate in Hawaii (Feb 13-15) remains a staple and Texas A&M has had success there, winning titles in 2009 and 2018. Kortan is looking forward to the trip.
“It’s a great tournament for us,” he said. “The weather is usually perfect, and we’ve had success there. It’s a trip the guys look forward to every year and it’s a great team bonding trip."
The Southern Highlands Collegiate (March 2-4) in Las Vegas will offer a whole other challenge as well. The tournament annually welcomes a good portion of the top 25 and the 2025 field is expected to be just as formidable.
“Southern Highlands is one of those courses that will test our team, and the field will be very strong,” Kortan said “It's a great place to measure where we’re at as a team.”
The Aggies return to the Louisiana Classics, where they are two-time defending champions. Kortan enjoys the trip to Lafayette, giving the team a chance to rejuvenate while still maintaining high levels of competition.
“We like driving to that one because it’s a chance to spend some time together,” Kortan said. “We get to take a few extra guys and it gives us a little breather from air travel. It’s a good course where you can shoot some low scores and the food is tremendous. It’s a tournament we’ll try to get to whenever we can.”
Later in the season, the team will head to Palm City, Florida, for the Valspar Collegiate Invitational (March 24-25) at Floridian National Golf Club. This tournament continues to be a highlight on the schedule.
“The Floridian is another event we look forward to every year because the golf course is just fantastic,” Kortan said. “We’re fortunate to play great golf courses, but the team circles this tournament on their calendars every year because they love the course and the field is always strong – always among the toughest we play each season.”
The regular season will conclude with the Aggie Invitational at Traditions Club (April 12-13). Texas A&M looks to defend its home turf after finishing runner-up the last two years. The Aggies have won their home event five times and last year Montojo was co-medalist.
“It’s always great to host other teams,” Kortan said. “We’re a great University and we have the means to host a great golf tournament. It’s the only time all year when we have home-field advantage. And it means a whole lot to our players. It’s their time to compete in Aggieland in front of the 12th Man. We like to defend our home turf and play here in front of family and friends.”
POSTSEASON SCHEDULE
As the spring season winds down, the Aggies’ attention will turn to the SEC Championships (April 23-28) at Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside Course in St. Simons Island, Georgia.
“The SEC Tournament is always tough, especially with new teams like Texas and Oklahoma in the mix,” Kortan explained. “It’s a grind to get through to match play, but our team is ready. It’s no easy task playing in this conference. I like to think that we coach to it throughout the year and we try to put a team together that’s good in those situations.”
Once they reach match play, the competition becomes even fiercer, with eight teams battling for a spot in the semifinals and finals. The Aggies have been in the fray every year in recent memory, advancing to the semifinals the last four SEC Championships.
“We’ve been close in past years,” Kortan said. “You must get to match play to win it. Then it is all about executing under pressure and winning that last point. You have to dig deep and find a way to win three points each round.”
Looking ahead to the NCAA Regionals (May 12-14), the Aggies will find them making a considerable trek no matter which site they are sent to. Originally, The Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Oklahoma, were among the six courses, but they’ve since be replaced by Atkins Golf Club in Urbana, Illinois and Auburn University Golf Club. The other four venues are Poplar Grove golf Course in Amherst, Virginia; Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton, Washington; Montreux Golf and Country Club in Reno, Nevada; and Seminole Legacy Golf Club in Tallahassee, Florida.
“No matter where they send you, you’ll be playing at a course you’ve never played at against 14 really good teams,” Kortan said. “You just must be prepared to have attention to detail and play good golf, taking care of the ball. It takes championship-level golf to survive and advance in the postseason.”
The Aggies' ultimate goal is a national championship, and they will be aiming their sights to the NCAA Championship at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, May 23-28. Last season was the first year the tournament was held at the newly overhauled course and it has gotten solid reviews.
“Last year nobody knew what to think about how it was going to be going into the event,” he said. “They did a really nice job. It’s a great setting. The people who went to watch had a great experience. It’s easily walked, and the golf course was excellent. I think they’ll tweak some minor things that didn’t quite turn out the way they wanted. At the end of the day, it was a championship venue in a really nice setting. If we play some good golf this spring, we’ll be back.”
Overall, the spring season presents a mix of challenges and exciting new opportunities for the Aggies. With a strong schedule and a will to lead the team, Texas A&M men’s golf is destined for a successful run if they come together as a team.
