For the first time in school history, Carnegie Mellon can celebrate an NCAA team championship.
With four players finishing inside the individual top 20, CMU claimed the NCAA Division III men’s golf championship Friday at Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, Ky. The Tartans finished with a team score of 1-under par, six strokes ahead of second-place Piedmont University.
CMU’s final round score of 9-under 279 Friday was the best for any team in any round of the four-round tournament.
Junior Brian Xu eagled the 18th hole to shoot a career-best 7-under 65 in the final round and finish at 1-under for the tournament. Freshman David Zhang also finished 1-under for the event. They tied for ninth overall.
Sophomore Justin Chan shot a 1-under 71 Friday to finish at even par. Grad student Henry Scavone shot a 2-under 70 in the final round to end up 1-over.
The team is made up of players from all over. Xu is from San Diego, Zhang from Blacksburg, Va., Chan from London, and Scavone from Birmingham, Mich.
“Today’s victory is a testament to the tenacity, hard work and resilience of these young men,” coach Dan Rodgers said in a release. “Their final round performance, finishing 9-under, shows not only their skill but their ability to rally under pressure. This championship isn’t just our first; it’s a landmark achievement that reflects the growth and potential of Carnegie Mellon’s golf program. I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”
CMU had been knocking at the door at the NCAA tournament the last two seasons, finishing fourth in 2021 and sixth last year.
“I couldn’t be more excited for coach Rodgers and our amazing student-athletes,” athletic director Josh Centor said in a release. “I am so proud of their accomplishment, but more importantly, the way they represent Carnegie Mellon University. We have been dreaming of this moment for a long time, and we cannot wait to celebrate the first national championship in our history.”
