T-Bird (M-Golf) Ends 2025-26 Season in 12th Place at Nationals

The NMJC men's golf team finished in 12th place at the NJCAA DI Men's Golf Championship in Newton, Kan., on Friday, May 15. 

The Thunderbirds shot a 17-over par 305 in the final round to finish the week at 73-over.

McClennan Community College won the championship at 20-over, Indian Hills CC ended the tournament runner-up at 21-over, and Odessa College was third at 28-over. Abe Bignell (-6) of McLennan CC defeated Indian Hills CC Miles Bollinger (-2) by four strokes to win the individual national title.

The T-Birds shot 310 (+22) in Round 1, 296 (+8) in Round 2, 314 (+26) in Round 3, and a 305 (+17) in Round 4. The 72-hole total was 1225 shots (+73).  

Oliver Ruutu finished the tournament in a tie for 32nd place at 15-over par following his 4-over 76 in the final round. The Finn was 1-under through his first 12 holes after birdieing No. 9. The sophomore went bogey-birdie before closing his round par-double-par-double to shoot a 4-over 76. Ruutu ended his Thunderbird career at 15-over after recording a 72-hole total of 74-75-78-76.

Riley Apodaca placed T-40 at 17-over in his first appearance at nationals after shooting a final-round 1-over 73. Apodaca had a whirlwind day on the course. The freshman carded two bogeys on the front nine to shoot 38. He bogeyed No. 10 and made par on No. 11 before catching fire. Apodaca made four birdies, a par, and a bogey over his next six holes to get back in the right direction. A bogey on hole 18 had him shoot 35 (-1) on the back for a 1-over 73. Apodaca finished his freshman campaign at 17-over after posting a 72-hole total of 78-73-81-73. 

Alfie Mellor finished his final round shooting a 7-over 79 to end his week T-40 at 17-over par. Mellor had a tough day on the course in his last round with the T-Birds. The sophomore recorded one birdie, six bogeys, and a double on Friday. Mellor wrapped up his time with the Thunderbirds at 17-over registering rounds of 77-75-74-79. 

Tristan Kolasinski placed T-71 at 28-over after shooting a final-round 79 (+7). Kolasinski registered five bogeys, two doubles, and two birdies on the final day. He finished his freshman season at 28-over with rounds of 81-73-83-79. 

Substitute Nick Friedrichsen finished nationals at 23-over in three rounds following a 5-over 77 in the final round in Newton, Kan. Friedrichsen made two bogeys on the front nine to shoot 38. He made three bogeys, two birdies, and a double to come in with a 39 (+3). The sophomore ended his sophomore season shooting 23-over after posting rounds of SUB-81-81-77 at Sand Creek Station. 

T-Bird fans can see the final results by clicking here and follow NMJC men's golf's Instagram @nmjc_mgolf for more content.