With the Mountaineer Invitational underway at Pete Dye Golf Club, the West Virginia University golf team finds itself in the hunt after two rounds of play. The Mountaineers sit in fourth place overall with a team score of +23, trailing a red-hot Oklahoma State squad that has surged into first at -4, showcasing why they’re the No. 4 ranked program in the nation. Read more Mountaineers hold strong through two rounds at Mountaineer Invitational below.
Todd Duncan Leads the Way
Junior standout Todd Duncan emerged as the early bright spot for the Mountaineers, carding a +4 in the opening round and even in round 2. His steady play placed him in a tie for 17th individually after two rounds, currently making him WVU’s top performer.
Round 1 saw Duncan post a handful of key up-and-downs, with only a couple of mistakes on the back nine. Despite the over-par round, he was one of the few players in the field to keep his score under control as the wind picked up in the afternoon.
Other Performances
Behind Duncan, it was a mixed bag for the rest of the Mountaineer lineup. Kaleb Wilson opened with a +5, keeping pace through much of the day before giving up a few strokes late. He remains a vital piece of the team’s potential for a strong final round push.
Westy McCabe, one of the most experienced members of the squad, posted a solid +2 in Round 1. While McCabe cooled off significantly in Round 2 with a +9, his first round was one of the more encouraging efforts for the Mountaineers.
Carson Kammann had a rough go in Round 1, finishing at +10. While he improved slightly in the second round with a +2, he’ll look to rebound with a strong finish in the final round.
Oklahoma State Setting the Pace
Meanwhile, Oklahoma State has wasted no time asserting its dominance. The Cowboys came into the event ranked No. 4 in the country, and their play on the Pete Dye course backed up every bit of that ranking. Through two rounds, they’ve posted an impressive -4, putting themselves well ahead of the field.
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Eric Lee has been the individual standout so far, delivering a scorching -5 through two rounds. His composure and command of the course have made him a tough competitor to catch. Gaven Lane has also contributed solidly with a +2, helping to create separation between Oklahoma State and the rest of the field.
While the Mountaineers aren’t likely to catch the Cowboys barring a dramatic turn, the rest of the leaderboard remains tight, and a strong final round could move WVU up a spot or two. West Virginia only trails Oklahoma State, Kentucky and Texas Tech.
The Final Round
The team will also be leaning on its home-course knowledge. Familiarity with the nuances of Pete Dye Golf Club could prove vital in the final stretch, especially as nerves settle in and conditions shift.
In a tournament that draws competitive programs from across the country, holding fourth through two rounds is a respectable showing for the Mountaineers. But don’t expect this team to be satisfied just yet. There’s still golf to be played, and West Virginia has the chance to finish strong, make a statement, and set the tone for the rest of the spring season.
