By HALEY HALL

Sports Editor

The Piedmont College men’s golf team secured its first victory of the season, taking the top spot in the Tenth Annual Piedmont College Fall Invitational at the Orchard Golf and Country Club. Following an impressive 299 in the first round, the Lions scored a 304 in the second for a total of 603, 16 strokes better than second place Truett-McConnell’s B Team.

Sam Hill has now taken back-to-back titles at the Piedmont College Fall Invitational. As a sophomore, he won his first collegiate tournament at the Ninth Annual Piedmont College Fall Invitational. Hill shot a 142 over the two rounds, coming in two under par and finishing as the only player in the red in the tournament. 

“Sam is one of our best players, and he teaches me a lot and makes me want to be a better player,” said second-year Davis Cook. “I’m super excited about our season and what we have accomplished so far. Being a sophomore on this great team has taught me so much, and can’t wait to learn even more from my coaches and teammates.” 

The men’s second tournament was played at Lakeview Golf Club in Harrisonburg, Va. The tournament included 18 teams, including four other USA South members. Piedmont sat in eighth place of 18 teams at the event after round one. 

Garret Rowland, Aaron Vankempen and Jake Forbes all three tied for ninth. 

“We are excited about the upcoming season following our opening tournament last week,” said Parker Rowland, the head golf coach. “We have a few areas to tidy up, but I saw a lot of promise from all players. Most of our early mistakes were on the mental side, but I thought our ladies showed grit and a determination that will certainly pay off as we move into the strength of our schedule. Overall, I was proud of the team and their ‘no quit’ attitude.”

For the men’s next game, they will be traveling to Ashland, Va. to play in the Ted Keller Memorial. 

The Lady Lions played their opening tournament at Mossy Creek Golf Course in Cleveland, Ga. Piedmont was up against Brenau University and two teams from Truett-McConnell College.

First-year Jana Guy led the way, posting an 82 in the second round and trimming two strokes off her debut round the day before.  Guy’s performance earned her fourth place in the field of 27 competitors and gave her all-tournament honors in her first-ever event for Piedmont. 

“I am so excited to golf with four new freshman. This season we were invited to play for golf week in Destin, Fla., and in the spring we are going to Jekyll Island, and I know all the girls are stoked about that,” said third-year Ashton Mamula.

The woman’s team travels to Rome, Ga., to play in the Chick-Fil-A Collegiate Invitational on Sept. 26 and 27.