Pioneers Charge into First-Place Tie at Koala Classic

The Spartanburg Methodist College men's golf team sent two squads to the 2026 Koala Classic at Timberlake Country Club, with the Pioneers' "A" team sitting in a share of first place after Monday's opening round.

SMC posted a team score of 290 (+6) to match AAC rival Montreat atop the 19-team field. The Pioneers' "B" team is tied for 10th after carding a 318 (+34), alongside Saint Xavier.

The "A" team is paced by Thomas Campbell, who fired a one-under 70 and sits tied for second, just one stroke off the lead. Campbell recorded four birdies, including a stretch of three consecutive.

Evan Cheek and Tucker Simon each added rounds of 73 (+2), with Simon tallying three birdies and Cheek adding two. Kendall Howle followed closely with a 74 (+3) and a team-high four birdies, while AJ Bolin rounded out the lineup with an 81 (+10).

Jackson Welch leads the "B" team after shooting an even-par 71 with three birdies. Lucas Johnson followed with a 79 (+8), also recording three birdies. Parker Harrigan posted an 83 (+12), Antonio Montenora added an 85 (+14), and Bryson Paris finished with an 86 (+15).