MCC golfers shoot best rounds of tournament

HOBBS, N.M. – A pair of McCook Community College golfers had their best rounds of the week Thursday in the National Junior College Athletic Association national championship at Rockwind Links.

Thursday's improvement came less than 12 hours after finishing up the second round late Wednesday night.

"Overall, it was a nice morning and a fun day on the course but we're not exactly hitting on all cylinders, said MCC Coach Tyler Loop.

Freshman Andrew Brown (Wollongong, Australia) shot a three-over par 74 Wednesday after posting rounds of 76 and 78 over the first two days. He is at +15 through three rounds.

Freshman Matt Grimonprez (Villenuave-d'ascq, France) has brought down his scores with each round and shot a 77 Wednesday after starting with an 86 Tuesday and following that with an 83 Wednesday.

"Andrew has missed some very makeable putts for birdie and Matt is having to scramble for pars a lot," Loop said. "But the experience they are getting is invaluable and there were more smiles today."

These two players are competing as individuals as the team did not qualify for tournament.

Three teams are tied atop the leaderboard with three-day scores of one-under par. Those include New Mexico Junior College, Odessa College and Midland.

Mans Boje of Ranger College tops the individual leaderboard at 10-under through three rounds.

The four-day tournament concludes Friday.

"I know they are both looking forward to getting to their home country but there is no doubt they will give it their all tomorrow," said Loop.