New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) men's golf team has made history by capturing their first national championship on Friday, May 17 at the par-71 Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, NM. The team secured the title with a three-stroke victory over Odessa College, finishing at 13-under par.

The Thunderbirds set a new 72-hole NMJC national tournament record with a team total of 1123 (280-293-278-272), surpassing the previous record by 11 strokes set in 2018-19. Their final round score of 12-under 272 was the lowest of the tournament, showcasing their exceptional skill and determination.

Freshman Henry Drake emerged as a standout performer. Drake shot 74-70 in the second and third rounds and closed with a tournament-low 65 in the final round. His impressive performance, which included six birdies and just one bogey, was pivotal in securing the team's victory.

Sophomore Travis Robbie also delivered a remarkable performance with a final round of 66. Robbie started strong, making birdies on the 4th and 6th holes, and despite some setbacks, finished with five birdies and an even par for the tournament. His recovery on the 18th hole was a highlight of the day and demonstrated his resilience and composure under pressure.

Freshman Elias Pettersson and sophomore Kalle Svederman contributed significantly to the team's success. Pettersson shot a 2-under 69 in the final round, including an eagle on the 14th hole, helping to secure the team's lead. Svederman, with rounds of 71-72-70-72, made crucial birdies and saved par on critical holes, finishing the tournament at 1-over par.

Matt Walters, in the final pairing, displayed consistency and determination. His final round of 72 included a birdie on the 5th hole and a spectacular par save on the 9th. Walters finished the championship T-8 at 4-under par, contributing to the team's overall success.

The Thunderbirds excelled in the final round, playing the last four holes at 2-under par. Their performance on the par-5 14th hole, where they collectively shot 6-under as a team, was instrumental in their victory. Throughout the tournament, the team led with 79 birdies and five eagles and had the lowest team scoring average on par-4s at 3.99.

This historic win is the first national championship for the program under the leadership of first-year head coaches Kayla Weaver and Kendalyn Ferguson. The duo was awarded the Delnor Poss Coach of the Tournament Award for their championship-winning efforts. 

The Thunderbird men's golf team's triumph marks a significant milestone in the program's history, setting a new standard of excellence for future seasons.

For more information about the NJCAA National Men’s Golf Tournament, visit New Mexico Junior College Athletics website and read the full article written by NMJC Sports Information at www.nmjcthunderbirds.com. 

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is a leading educational institution committed to providing success through learning and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Founded in 1965, NMJC offers a wide range of academic programs, certifications, and services to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Outreach & Engagement, 575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu, or Brittney Garcia, Recruiter, 575-492-2794, bgarcia@nmjc.edu.