The Blinn College men’s golf team has found its buzzword for the 2024 season: steady.
That will be the name of the game for the Buccaneers this spring as they look to capitalize on a team of sophomores, transfers, and talented freshmen who believe steady, consistent play will be the key to success.
“We believe our top five is pretty solid, and the roster in general is probably one of the best teams Blinn has ever had,” sophomore Austin Hassell said. “It really comes down to our ability to keep our heads down, play consistently, play solid golf, and just stay steady on the course.”
Hassell, along with fellow returners Jacob Holloway, Cason Holzshu, McKane Kiser, and Van Wellborn, likely learned a few lessons about steady play during their freshman campaigns in 2023. Last season, a talented group of sophomores led by Blinn’s first NJCAA Division I All-American Ty Thomas, reached the national tournament and tied for eighth place.
This fall, the Bucs showed their growth with victories at the Jacksonville College Fall Invitational, as well as the The Fall Aggie Invitational in Ardmore, Okla., where freshman Landon Johnson took home the individual title. Blinn also finished just one shot away from a win at the University of Houston-Victoria Fall Classic.
“We never really saw a bad round from any of our guys,” Hassell added. “Everybody was just consistent and went out there and grinded.”
Johnson and freshmen Ben Jones and Preston DeSerrano caught the eye of Bucs head coach David Johnson in the fall, as did sophomore transfer Herman Holst and talented freshman Volker Henkel (Aumuhle, Germany). Johnson said his team lacks a bona fide number-one player, but makes up for it with reliable depth.
“We have a bunch of guys that can be strong twos, threes, and fours, and being steady two-through-five is really what it takes to come out on top at most tournaments,” Johnson said. “We had a great fall, and I think the guys are ready to build off that, and I’m excited to see them do it. It’s going to be a challenge, but I know they’re ready for it.”
As individuals, the Bucs qualify for their spots at each tournament by competing in intrasquad competitions to determine Blinn’s top five. Hassell said competition amongst the Bucs has been fierce and could be a sign of what’s to come.
“In the fall, we had spots in the starting five decided by a single stroke on numerous occasions,” Hassell said. “Guys are nipping at each other’s heels all the time and we’re all just pushing each other to be better. Nobody can afford to get complacent on this team.”
Blinn begins its season Monday, Feb. 19, when it hits the links at the Rattler Invitational hosted by St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Blinn will host the Blinn Invitational at Brenham Country Club on Monday, April 8, in Brenham. The team competes in the Southwest Championship on Monday, April 15, in Marble Falls, Texas, and will play in the NJCAA South District Championship on Monday, April 29, in San Angelo, Texas, with a spot in the national tournament determined by the results of those two tournaments.
“Our goal 100% is to be ready for nationals and to get back there,” Hassell said. “That has been our goal all year and that’s what we’re pushing for. That’s what we want to achieve.”
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 45 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
