The Missouri Southern men’s golf team was in action this week in the 17th annual Northeastern State University Men’s Golf Classic in Bartlesville, Okla. The Lions are coming off a second place finish at the MSSU Men’s Fall Invitational held last week in Monkey Island, Okla.

The Lions finished day one in seventh place after two rounds of golf. The Lions carded a 301 in the first round as junior Taylor Lansford led the way shooting 3 over par (74), while senior Ethan Hutcheson finished just two strokes shy of Lansford shooting 5-over (76). In round two, Lansford led the way again as he again carded a 74, while junior Cameron Hamilton and sophomore Connor Neil shot a 75. The Lions finished with a 302 on the day and shot 603 for a two round total.

Lansford finished with a two-round total of 148 (74-74), good enough to be tied for 12th place. Hamilton carded a 151 (76-75) for a share of 22nd. Hutcheson finished in a tie for 36th with a two round total of 153 (75-78), Neil finished in a tie for 48th with a total of 156 (81-75) and freshman Tripper Jensen carded a two-round total of 158 (76-82) for a share of 55th. The Lions finished in seventh place after two rounds of golf.

Round three took place the following day. And again, Junior Taylor Lansford led the Lions as he finished the third round with a 4-over (75). Neil carded a 5-over (76) while Hutcheson finished the tournament shootinga final round of 77, (6-over). Hamilton had carded an 80, while Jensen finished the tournament with a third round of 82. As a team, the Lions shot 308 in their final round to finish the tournament with a three round total of 911 (301-302-308). The Lions dropped two spots after day one to finish in 9th place on the tournament.

Individually, Lansford finished tied for 15th, Hutcheson finished tied for 39th, Hamilton was one stroke back and tied for 42nd. Neil was one stroke back of Hamilton with a 232 and finished tied for 46th. Jensen finished tied for 64th with a total of 240.

“Lansford played very well. Some of us kinda struggled so it was really good to have him playing well,” said Hutcheson. “He means a lot to this team.”

“Everybody’s performance differs from week to week. That’s how the game goes,” said Lansford. “I just go out there and do what I can to help my team move up the leader board.”

The Lions will be back in action next Monday and Tuesday as they head to Durant, Okla. for the Texoma Championships hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State University.