Brewing Something Special! Brewer Earns Historic Victory at UC Ferguson Invitational
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – On Monday and Tuesday, the No. 23 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma men's golf team endured soggy conditions and thrived in the season opening tournament at the UC Ferguson Invitational, hosted by Oklahoma City University. USAO was highlighted by Jax Brewer's historic individual victory, producing the program's best score ever, and the highest profile win against a loaded field of elite competitors. As a team, the Drovers concluded in third place, just four strokes back of the winner, No. 2 ranked Oklahoma City University. Furthermore, five different Drovers concluded the tournament under-par, a feat that has never previously been accomplished in program history.
The UC Ferguson Invitational was competed at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City, and featured a 6,576-yard, par 71 layout. The Drovers completed with a two-round score of 550 (279, 271). The tournament featured a star-studded field, including seven teams ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll (No. 2 Oklahoma City, No. 5 MidAmerica Nazarene, No. 8 Texas Wesleyan, No. 17 Northwestern (Iowa), No. 23 USAO, RV Hastings (Neb.), RV Southwestern Christian).
The individual championship is the second of Jax Brewer's career at USAO, but this one will forever be held in the highest of regards. Brewer fired a program-record score of 64 (7-under) in the first round, followed by a 66 (5-under) for a two-round total of 130 (12-under). The champ went bogey free for all 36 holes, and carded 10 birdies, as well as one eagle. His last victory came on Sept. 19, 2023, at the Crestview Invitational in Wichita, Kan.
Conner Cryer, Cooper Hardison, Jaeden Ellis, and Luca Gisler each finished at 2-under par and placed in a tie for 17th. Cryer and Hardison each fired a 71 in the first round, followed by a 69 in round two. Ellis shot a 73 in the first round, prior to an impressive 67 (4-under) in the second round. Gisler carded a 72 in the first round and a 68 (3-under) in the final round.
Gavin Elmore and Parker Pogue each placed in 40th with a two-round total of 145. Carson Click made his debut as a Drover and carded an 81 in the first round, followed by a 77 in the second round.
PREVIOUS USAO MEN'S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (8)
Central Christian Invitational – Sept. 30, 2020
Tabor College Fall Invite – Oct. 13, 2020
Battle at Winter Creek – Oct. 20, 2020
Hastings College Spring Invite – April 13, 2022
Battle at Winter Creek – Oct. 4, 2023
Top of Texas Invitational – March 12, 2024
CBC Invitational – March 19, 2024
Battle at Winter Creek – Oct. 15, 2024
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (11)
Caleb Nichols - Central Christian Invitational – Sept. 30, 2020
Gage Gibson – Tabor College Fall Invite – Oct. 13, 2020
Gage Gibson – Battle at Winter Creek – Oct. 20, 2020
Caleb Smith – College of the Ozarks Spring Invitational – March 16, 2021
Caleb Smith – Hastings College Spring Invite – April 13, 2022
Grant Murphey – Battle at Winter Creek – Oct. 5, 2022
Jax Brewer – Crestview Invitational – Sept. 19, 2023
Conner Cryer – Top of Texas Invitational – March 12, 2024
Conner Cryer – CBC Invitational – March 19, 2024
Conner Cryer – Texas Intercollegiate – September 10, 2024
Jax Brewer – UC Ferguson Invitational – Aug. 26, 2025
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Drovers will return to the course on Sept. 1-2 as they compete at the Mid-South Invitational. The tournament will be hosted at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kan.
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