FAYETTEVILLE - A sophomore on the 2019 Arkansas SEC champion men’s golf team that then failed to advance from NCAA Regionals to the NCAA Tournament, senior Tyson Reeder of Edmond, Okla. insured Wednesday that he and the Razorbacks will play in the NCAA Tournament May 28 to June 2 in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Paced by Reeder’s final round 65 Wednesday, the best ever shot by a Razorback at Men’s Regionals, Coach Brad McMakin’s Razorbacks qualified second among the five teams advancing from the Kingston Regional that SEC champion Vanderbilt hosted at Kingston, Tenn. just outside of Nashville.
Reeder’s three rounds 69-72-65 for the Monday through Wednesday tournament totaled 206 placing him second individually for the tournament one stroke behind medalist Puwit Anupansuebsai of San Diego State.
Reeder was Razorbacks followed by the 3-day totals of 209 by William Buhl, 214 by Julian Perico and 218 by Manuel Lozada picking up for Segundo Oliva Pinto, Arkansas’ 2021 SEC champion weathering an off tournament tied for 56th at 225.
“We are really proud of this team,”McMakin said. “Our veteran leadership and experience were the contributing factors for punching our ticket to nationals. Tyson had a phenomenal last round. We are excited for this group and look forward to the opportunity to compete for a national championship in Arizona.”
Reeder said he entered Wednesday’s final round trying to use the 2019 Regionals, there was no 2020 golf season after mid March because of covid-19, as a learning experience rather than adding to existing pressure.
“ Obviously two years ago not getting through was really tough,” Reeder said on a post tournament Zoom. “I think today that experience going through that really helped. It’s hard being a senior that the thought crosses your mind that this could be my last tournament ever for the Hogs. I just tried stay in the present to keep the positive thoughts going. To do what I did today, I’m really proud of myself. It meant a lot to me and meant a lot to the team and I’m excited to go to Nationals for sure.”
Reeder said he hadn’t realized 17th hole birdie, he eagled the seventh hole, briefly tied him with Anupansuebsai for the individual lead.
“ I had no idea where I was at,” Reeder said. “My only focus was the team. I kind of wish I had known. I would have played a little differently on the last hole. But I’m more excited about the team. That’s what I was focused on for sure.”
Reeder said after a tough front nine then calming himself down on Tuesday he concentrated Wednesday on “staying in the present” and “not letting my mind wander.”
“I was pretty nervous going in (Wednesday) but on that first hole I made a 40-footer,” Reeder said. “That helped me get going, and the second hole I made a 15-footer so I was like man, here we go! After that birdie-birdie start I got into the rhythm of the round.”
Seems the team followed suit.
“We’re pumped,” Reeder said. “Everyone is very confident in themselves. So we’re extremely excited, especially because two years ago kind of left a bad feeling for all of us who were playing regionals. To be back two years later and have a chance at the national championship, that’s all we could ask for.”