The LeMoyne-Owen College men's golf team opened its 2026 campaign with a competitive showing at the Columbia College Spring Invitational, held March 8 through March 10 in Columbia, Missouri. Competing at the Columbia Country Club, the Magicians faced a strong field of programs and used the event as their first opportunity to showcase a newly assembled roster under head coach Dominique Worthen. While the team finished 14th out of 17 teams with a total score of 104 over par, the tournament provided a promising glimpse into the potential of a young and developing squad.
Leading the way for LeMoyne-Owen was freshman Albert Laursen, who delivered an impressive debut performance by finishing fifth overall with a final score of three over par. Competing against some of the top golfers in the field, Laursen displayed both composure and consistency across the two rounds. He opened the tournament with a score of two over par in the first round, positioning himself among the top competitors early. He followed that performance with an even stronger showing in round two, improving to one over par and solidifying his place near the top of the leaderboard.
Laursen's performance was further highlighted by his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the tournament. He finished tied for second in the entire field in total birdies with seven, a mark that underscored his aggressive yet controlled approach to the course. His ability to generate birdies in key moments not only elevated his individual standing but also provided a spark for the Magicians throughout the event. For a freshman competing in his first collegiate tournament, Laursen's performance stands as a significant achievement and an encouraging sign for the future of the program.
Fellow freshman Corey Hairston also gained valuable experience in his collegiate debut, finishing tied for 55th place with an overall score of 22 over par. Hairston opened the tournament with a solid round of seven over par, demonstrating his ability to compete under pressure in his first outing. He followed with a more challenging second round, finishing at 15 over par, but the experience gained across both rounds will serve as an important building block as he continues to adjust to the collegiate level.
The Magicians' lineup also featured contributions from several returning players who provided leadership and stability throughout the tournament. Marvin Johnson finished in 73rd place, battling through a demanding course and competitive field. Senior Jason Curry followed closely behind in 75th place, continuing to serve as a steady presence for the team. Zion Hall finished in 79th place, gaining additional tournament experience, while Carter Burgin rounded out the lineup with an 83rd place finish.
As a team, LeMoyne-Owen's finish of 14th place reflected both the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating new talent into a competitive lineup. The Columbia Country Club presented a variety of obstacles that tested shot selection, consistency, and mental focus. For a team competing together for the first time this season, the tournament served as a valuable learning experience that will help shape their approach moving forward.
Head coach Dominique Worthen emphasized growth and development as key priorities entering the season, and the Columbia College Spring Invitational offered an early benchmark for the team's progress. With a mix of freshmen gaining their first collegiate experience and veterans continuing to lead by example, the Magicians are in the process of building both chemistry and confidence.
The strong performance from Laursen, combined with the experience gained by the rest of the roster, provides a foundation for improvement as the season continues. Early season tournaments often reveal both strengths and areas for growth, and the Magicians now have a clearer understanding of what it will take to compete at a higher level in future events.
LeMoyne-Owen will quickly turn its attention to its next competition, the second annual Island Pointe Invitational in Knoxville, Tennessee. Scheduled for March 11 through March 13, the tournament will be held at Island Pointe Golf Course and will present another opportunity for the Magicians to build on their opening performance and continue their development as a team.
With a promising debut from one of its freshmen and valuable experience gained across the lineup, LeMoyne-Owen leaves Columbia with momentum and a clear sense of direction as it continues its journey through the 2026 season, determined to turn early lessons into lasting success.
