Heavy winds, desert heat and difficult pin placements battered The Master’s University men’s golf team, which traveled to Bullhead City, Ariz. to compete in The Battle at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club March 24-25.

The Mustangs finished seventh in the 20-team field, with senior Jonathan Larson and freshman Jacob Janho finishing in T16 with a 54-hole total of 10-over par. Janho’s performance was a particular highlight for TMU Head Coach Craig DeSpain, who gave his praises to the freshman.

“(Janho) had an amazing second round.” DeSpain said. “He played the back nine (four-under), which is his lowest nine-hole score collegiately… As a freshman and especially with the conditions we had on the first day, it was exciting to see him play well.”

DeSpain also gave his praises to sophomore Rye Winans, who made the starting lineup after competing for his spot. He finished the tournament at T67 with a total of 22-over par.

“We had a little qualifier for the last spot and Rye came in and won that spot.” DeSpain said. “We counted his score (once) and he still played well even if we didn’t count his scores. So it was great to see him go out there and compete for this team.”

Junior Seth Bishop trailed at T29 with a total of 14-over par, while sophomore Wes Opliger rounded out the squad, finishing at T73 at 23-over par.

Monday’s 36-hole action was plagued with slow play, as the second round was put on hold due to darkness. Tuesday’s scheduled 18-hole final round was delayed for players to finalize their second round scores. But the slow play, according to DeSpain, all came from the difficult conditions and pin positions.

“The greens on the first day had these pins that were tucked and they were on slopes… and the wind made it tough for us at the start, too. We ended up having to stop the second round because the conditions and the pins made it slow for the whole day,” DeSpain said. “But our team seems to play well through tough conditions. So it’s great to see the team battle but we have to figure out how to play well when the conditions are good.”

The Mustangs, who entered the tournament No. 12 in the NAIA, were one of 12 teams entering the tournament inside the top 30 of the NAIA, seven of which were ranked higher than the Mustangs.

Their seventh place finish was above No. 9 College of Coastal Georgia and No. 10 Marian University (IN), as the Mustangs looked to climb the standings and possibly earn an at-large bid into the NAIA National Championship at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

But the Mustangs have to contend with several teams ranked above them, including No. 6 in the NAIA and conference rival Ottawa University (AZ), who placed fourth in the tournament.

Luckily for the Mustangs, the team has a chance to not only earn a spot but play heartbreaker for OUAZ, as both teams will meet each other in the GSAC Championship Tournament at Antelope Hills Golf Club in Prescott, Ariz. April 14-16.

The winner earns an automatic-bid into nationals, while the loser is at the mercy of the rankings.

For more information visit GoMustangs.com.