DESTIN, Florida – Texas State men's golf opened the 2026-27 season with an eight-place finish at the Sandestin Collegiate Classic hosted by the Bobcats at The Raven Golf Club at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
In his first action as a Bobcat,
Ben McFadden collected a top-10 finish, tying for 10th at 2-under. McFadden (67-69-72--208) was one of six players new to the TXST lineup competing at the event. The junior fired a pair of rounds under par to open the three-day event, which included 11 of his 12 total birdies at the tournament. Additionally, he led the field going -5 on par 3s.
Dean Richards (68-67-72--209) also had a strong showing in his first outing representing TXST as he finished -1 and tied for 13th. The senior's best round of the tournament came on Tuesday when he fired four birdies on the back nine to sign for a 3-under 67.
Rhett O'Rear (70-75-73--218, T47),
José Berenguel (73-76-70--219, T50) and
Lucky Cruz (79-72-75--226, T68) closed out the TXST lineup, with Berenguel checking in as one of only eight players to register an eagle at the event.
José Arzú (71-72-69--212) and
Corrington Case (74-74-76--224) represented the Bobcats as individuals placing tied for 25th and tied for 64th, respectively.
Mercer and West Florida tied atop the 14-team field at -2, while Central Arkansas rounded out the top three at -1.
The Bobcats are back in action September 27-29 in Ruston, Louisiana, for the Argent Financial Classic hosted by Louisiana Tech.
