RAIDERS HOLD STEADY AT CHUCK KALANICK MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
BOAZ, Ala. — Roane State men's golf turned in three consistent rounds at the Chuck Kalanick Memorial Tournament hosted by Snead State, finishing with scores of 306, 295, and 313 over the three-day event.
The Raiders, who currently sit seventh in the NJCAA Division II national standings, leaned on the play of freshmen Reggie Phelps and Max McClure to navigate a demanding course layout.
Head coach Chris Griffin said the event provided a different kind of challenge compared to previous tournaments.
"The course was a totally different style," Griffin explained. "We call it the bomb-and-gouge group that hits the ball long off the tee and goes to find their ball. That doesn't work here. Drivers were taken out of the players' hands on two-thirds of the holes. It was a ball-striker's course, and that's what showed with Reggie and Max."
Phelps, a freshman from Bristol, England, impressed in his debut on Bermuda grass greens. He stayed in contention throughout, sitting in second place after 45 holes before finishing just outside the top spots.
"He had never seen this style of course, but he did awesome," Griffin said. "Reggie played alongside the tournament medalist and got to experience what it's like to be in that position, close to the lead, and learn how to finish. That's invaluable."
McClure, a freshman from Franklin, North Carolina, matched Phelps with his ability to adjust. Griffin praised both for tailoring their games to the conditions.
"Max did just like Reggie, making the adjustments and absorbing the competition," Griffin said. "They both gained experience and showed they can compete at a high level."
The rest of the lineup — Tripp Hall (So.), Jackson Hawkins (So.), Andersen House (Fr.), and Collin Keino (Fr.) — faced tougher stretches as the course punished players unwilling to adapt.
"That's kind of college golf in a nutshell," Griffin said. "Every week is different, and you have to adjust your plan accordingly. The guys learned a great lesson this week."
Roane State now prepares for its next test at the Walters State Invitational held October 5-7 at Morristown Country Club. Griffin said the team is motivated to chase a breakthrough performance.
"Morristown is a long course, and with all the rain it will play even longer," he said. "We've taken some really good teams there and never come away with a win. This group is challenged to change that. We're recovering, resetting, and practicing to give ourselves another shot to compete at a high level."
Team Scores: 306-295-313
Top Individuals: Reggie Phelps (Fr., Bristol, England); Max McClure (Fr., Franklin, N.C.)