NC State men’s golf opened its spring season and traveled to Panama City Beach, Florida to compete in the Watersound Invitational. The Pack recorded a total score of 881 — 17-over par — over 54 holes and placed 11th in a field of 12 teams.

Florida State hosted the event, which took place at Shark’s Tooth Golf Course, totaling 7,246 yards and playing as a par 72. 

Redshirt junior Nick Mathews led the way for the Wolfpack with a three-day score of 216, highlighted by a second-round 68. Mathews piled up five birdies and one eagle in his 4-under second round. The redshirt junior capped off the tournament with a 3-over 75 to finish in a tie for 31st as an individual.

Not far behind Mathews was graduate Spencer Oxendine, who displayed consistency throughout the three rounds. He scored 73, 72 and 74 for a total of 219 and a 44th-place individual finish. 

Junior Cade McLaughlin was the third-highest for the red-and-white with a total score of 223 and a top 56 finish. The Wyoming transfer opened the tournament with back-to-back 73s but encountered an unfortunate third-round 77, in part due to two double-bogeys on the back nine.

Senior Ethan Choi and sophomore Joey Lenane competed as individuals and tied for 65th place at 11-over par.

Vanderbilt shot three consistent rounds of 278-278-279 and a final round of  9-under to win the tournament by nine shots. This is the second straight season that the Commodores have claimed the Watersound Invitational.

The Pack must deliver more consistent performances and a few under-par efforts to compete at a higher level. The team finished near the bottom for birdies in the contest and in par 4 scoring, averaging 4.25 and shooting plus 38 on such holes.

NC State’s next round of competition will be close to home, taking place in Pinehurst, North Carolina, at the Wake Forest Invitational at Pinehurst No. 2. The meet is scheduled for March 4-5.