FLOWOOD, Miss. — The LeMoyne-Owen College men's golf team opened its 2026 fall season with an encouraging performance at the inaugural TheeiLove Invitational, finishing sixth in a competitive eight-team field at The Refuge Golf Course.

The tournament marked the beginning of the Magicians' second season under head coach Dominique Worthen and offered the first look at a completely revamped starting five. Four of LOC's five golfers in the lineup were new additions to the program, with defending SIAC individual champion Albert Svane Laursen serving as the lone returning starter from last season.

Despite the youth and unfamiliarity of the new lineup, LeMoyne-Owen showed consistency throughout the 54-hole event. The Magicians carded rounds of 301, 297 and 300 to finish at 898 (+34), good for sixth overall. LOC finished six strokes ahead of Tennessee State and 17 ahead of Coppin State. Prairie View A&M captured the team championship at four-under par, followed by Texas Southern and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Host Jackson State and Southern University rounded out the top five. 

Two Magicians led the way at five-over par for the tournament. Freshman Maximus Knight made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut, firing rounds of 73, 75 and 73 for a three-round total of 221 (+5). Knight displayed plenty of scoring ability throughout the tournament, recording nine birdies across his 54 holes. His opening round featured five birdies, including three over a four-hole stretch on the back nine.

Laursen also finished at 221 (+5) with rounds of 74, 73 and 74. The reigning SIAC champion continued to show his ability to create scoring opportunities, recording 10 birdies over the three rounds. His second-round 73 was highlighted by three birdies on the back nine, while he added three more during his final round.

Freshman Dalton Wilkes also delivered one of LOC's strongest performances. After opening with rounds of 78 and 77, Wilkes responded with an impressive 73 (+1) in the final round to finish at 228 (+12). His closing round included four birdies, giving the newcomer some momentum heading into the Magicians' next competition.

Freshman Ryan Darland finished at 230 (+14) after rounds of 76, 74 and 80. His best performance came during the second round, when he carded a two-over 74 that included an eagle on the par-five 17th hole. Junior transfer Felipe Guido rounded out LOC's starting five at 235 (+19), highlighted by a second-round 75.

The performance represented a significant early test for a LeMoyne-Owen roster that Worthen largely rebuilt during the offseason. With freshmen Knight, Wilkes and Darland immediately contributing alongside Laursen, the season opener provided an encouraging glimpse at the potential of the new-look Magicians. LOC's offseason additions were part of a recruiting effort designed to add greater depth around Laursen after his historic SIAC championship as a freshman last spring. 

The Magicians will now quickly turn their attention toward competing on familiar ground. LeMoyne-Owen will host the Magicians on the Green Invitational on Sept. 14–15 at The Links at Pine Hill Golf Course in Memphis. The tournament will feature programs including Jackson State, Central State and Fisk University, giving LOC another opportunity to build on its promising opening performance in front of its home community. Jackson State also lists the Magicians on the Green as its next tournament. 

For a starting five competing together for the first time, the opening weekend provided plenty for Worthen and the Magicians to build upon as the fall season gets underway.