Drovers Deliver Historic Performance at 2026 NAIA Men's Golf National Championship
SILVIS, Ill. – Tuesday through Friday, the No. 8 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma men's golf made their first ever appearance at the NAIA Men's Golf National Championship, and they made an immediate impact, solidifying their place as one of the top programs in the country. After four rounds, USAO concluded in seventh place out of the top 29 teams in the NAIA.
The NAIA Championship was competed at the TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., and featured a 6,703-yard, par 70 layout. The Drovers completed with a four-round score of 1177 (281, 302, 294, 300).
The Drovers got off to a blistering start and held a seven-stroke lead at the end of the first round. Additionally, Jaxen Brewer and Jaeden Ellis were knotted in a tie for first with identical rounds of 68 (-2).
USAO shot a 302 (+22) on day two and were well clear of the cutline, sitting in fourth after 36 holes. The Drovers scored better on Thursday (294, +14) but slid three spots down the leaderboard. USAO started and concluded in seventh place following a 300 (+20) in the final round of the season. All-in-all, in was a truly incredible performance by the Drovers!
Jaeden Ellis delivered a remarkable performance on the grand stage, concluding in 15th place with a four-round total of 289 (68, 75, 73, 73). Ellis also earned an All-Tournament nod for his impressive play.
Jaxen Brewer finished in the top 25 as he closed in 24th with a 292 (68, 77, 72, 75), followed by Luca Gisler in 36th with a 296 (74, 73, 72, 77). Conner Cryer closed in 63rd, firing a 303 (71, 77, 80, 75), and Cooper Hardison finished in 79th with a 315 (82, 77, 77, 79).
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