Joseph Downey shot a 3-over 219 to lead The Master’s

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Master’s College men’s golf team opened it’s season at the U.C. Ferguson Invitational on the greens of the Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

At the end of the two-day event, the Mustangs placed fifth of 12 teams backed by a collective score of 877 (296-291-290), only six strokes behind 19th-ranked Nebraska-based Bellavue (871). Placing first was tournament-host Oklahoma City University with a cumulative score of 824 (277-272-275).

“Although we’re not ecstatic about finishing fifth, we are excited to see the young guns improving and playing the right way,” commented head coach Jason Semelsbeger. “The Lord has brought a competitive group of young men to our golf program, and I am pleased to see them compete hard with integrity for Him.”

Of the Mustangs seven-man roster, five were signed in the offseason.

The two returners, Joseph Downey (Santa Clarita, CA) and Joshua Gardella (Littelton, CO) produced respectable results.

Downey led the Mustangs by tying for 20th at 3-over 219 (74-71-74), while Gardella carded a 221 finish (73-77-71) tying for 26th.

Leading the newly recruited Mustangs with a score of 4-over 220 and a 25th-place finish was freshman Hayden Nicholaides (Engelwood, CO).

And while the Mustangs excelled on the golf course, it was the team’s character that stood out to Semelsberger.

“On two different occasions during tournament play, one of our players called a penalty on themselves,” assessed Semelsberger. “I believe this is a tremendous testimony to the field we competed against.”

Looking to build off their results, Semelsberger and his Mustangs will travel back to California and prepare for their next showing. In two weeks, the Mustangs will compete at the CA State Intercollegiate Classic at the Diamond Valley Golf Course in Hemet.