The Howard Payne men's golf team battled through two rounds at Teravista Golf Club, finishing 10th overall with a team total of 617 (+65). The Yellow Jackets posted rounds of 305 (+24) and 312 (+41) while navigating a challenging course that tested depth across the lineup.
Caleb Modawell led the way for Howard Payne, finishing with a two-round total of 157 (+13). He opened with an impressive 75 (+3), one of the team's lowest rounds of the tournament, before adding an 82 (+10) in round two. Modawell showed consistency across both days, highlighted by a 38 on the front nine in round one and a steady 36 on the back nine in round two.
Kaden Potter followed closely with a 159 (+15), turning in matching rounds of 75 (+3) and 84 (+12). Potter delivered one of the team's most balanced opening rounds, going 38-37, and added a 43 on the back nine in round two to finish strong.
Mason Guinn provided another key score for the Yellow Jackets, finishing at 162 (+18) with rounds of 77 (+5) and 85 (+13). His first round included a solid 40 on the front and 37 on the back, while he continued to contribute in round two with consistent mid-round play.
Miken Hernandez recorded a 163 (+19), posting rounds of 85 (+13) and 78 (+6). After a challenging opening round, Hernandez responded with one of the team's better second rounds, highlighted by a 40 on the front nine and a strong 38 on the back, showing one of the biggest improvements in the field for Howard Payne.
Rounding out the lineup,
Cole Hermesmeyer finished at 176 (+32) with rounds of 89 (+17) and 87 (+15). He improved slightly in round two, shaving strokes off his total and contributing valuable experience for the Yellow Jackets.
As a group, Howard Payne showed flashes of strong play, particularly in the opening round where three players carded rounds in the mid-70s. The team's ability to produce low scores early was a bright spot, while continued development and consistency across both rounds will be key moving forward.
Head coach
Morgan Lucas emphasized the team's potential and growth following the tournament.
"We saw some really good golf, especially in that first round," said Lucas. "Caleb and Kaden gave us a strong foundation, and I thought Miken's bounce-back round says a lot about this group's mindset. We've just got to put two full rounds together as a team, and when we do, we'll be right where we want to be."
