The Georgia Military College Men's Golf Team fired the lowest team round of the tournament and the lowest individual round, but came up one shot short of winning their second straight National Championship. All five starters earned All-American status, led by Austin Quillian, who shot a four-day total of 296, finishing 4th.
The Bulldogs are no stranger to success. They have won three previous National Championships and looked primed to defend their 2019 championship. Austin Quillian, Peter Thayer, Dylan Humphries, Lurner Benton, and Noah Hankins posted excellent scores most of the season. In addition, Austin Mills joined the group as an individual and is playing the best golf of his career.
In the first round of the tournament, the Bulldogs established themselves as a contender firing a 303 led by Dylan Humphries 73 and finished the day just two shots off the lead. "You can't win a four-day event on day one, but the Bulldogs were in a good spot," Coach Van Horn commented, "it was a solid around, but we left a lot out there; we can be better." The other scores on day one were Peter Thayer 75, Austin Quillian 76, and Lurner Benton 79.
Dylan Humphries led the charge on day two, shooting another 73. Austin Quillian and Peter Thayer posted a pair of 74's and Noah Hankin's 79 gave the Bulldogs 300 for the day and a one-shot lead as the Bulldogs and Sandhills Flyers began to separate from the pack.
Day three is "moving day" in the golf world and the day to position the team for the final day. Unfortunately, it was not the best day for the Bulldogs. Austin Quillian posted a 75 to lead the way, but the Bulldogs turned the lead over and entered the final day trailing Sandhills by four shots.
In 2019, the Bulldogs entered the final day trailing Sandhills by 11. But, Austin Quillian helped them overcome the deficit and to bring home the Championship. He knew the team had to stay focused, and the Championship was within their grasp.
Austin's prior experience in the National Championship was valuable as the team delivered a 288, the lowest round for any team in the event and the 4th lowest in tournament history. Lurner Benton fired a four-under 68, the lowest of the event and 3rd lowest individual round in the history of the NJCAA Championships. At the same time, Noah Hankins and Austin Quillian shot their best round. Austin's 71 was one of only five subpar rounds in the event, and Noah Hankins' 76 was his best. Peter Thayer's 75 rounded out the scoring, but Sandhills also had a good day posting a 291, edging the Bulldogs by one stroke.
Along with the second-place trophy, the Bulldogs came home with more hardware. All five Bulldogs earned All-American status by finishing in the Top 18, setting an NJCAA DIII record. Austin Quillian (4th), Peter Thayer (5th) earned 1st team honors, Dylan Humphries (7th) and Lurner Benton (8th) earned 2nd team honors, and Noah Hankins (16th) earned Honorable Mention. The sixth man Austin Mills also had a stellar tournament and finished T-26th.
Coach Van Horn commented, "I am very, very, very proud of this team's effort and determination. And we should all be." Our Men's Golf team has delivered time and time again in 13 NJCAA Championships appearances; the Bulldogs have finished in the Top 5 seven times with three Championships. We have two individual champions and a total of 14 All- American's. Congratulations to the Bulldogs and their coaches on another successful year.