April 29, 2003

TULSA, Okla. - Southern Hills Country Club proved to be difficult for the Kansas State men's golf team on Tuesday, as the Wildcats slipped into a tie for sixth at the Big 12 Championship. The Wildcats carded a final round 320 for a tournament total of 927. K-State's tie for sixth with Colorado was the team's best finish to date in the Big 12 Championship.

"Like yesterday, it was difficult to score on this golf course," K-State head coach Tim Norris said. "I'm proud of the guys. This is our best finish ever in the Big 12 and I think it proves our program is getting a little bit better every year.

Norris said playing tough courses like Southern Hills and the Ohio State Scarlet Course will be a learning experience for the team, and will give the players a chance to discover and work on any weaknesses in their game before the NCAA Regional.

Despite a third-round struggle, Matt Van Cleave remained the top finisher for the Wildcats, tying for 16th with a 230. Junior Aaron Watkins posted the low round of the day for the Wildcats, shooting a 78 to tie for 23rd at 233. Freshman Josh Persons and junior Greg Douglas tied for 31st with scores of 236, and junior A.J. Elgert tied for 36th with a 237.

Texas won its second straight Big 12 Championship, posting an 894 for a four-stroke victory over host team Oklahoma State. OSU's Hunter Mahan ran away with medalist honors, and was only individual to finish under par with a 2-under 208 to claim a 13-stroke victory. The Longhorns' Jason Hartwick took second with an 11-over-par 221.

The Wildcats will discover their fate for the NCAA Regional Championship when bids are announced later this week. For complete results of the Big 12 Championship, please visit the Big 12 web site at www.Big12Sports.com.

Team Scores: 1. Texas 894. 2. Oklahoma State 898. 3. Oklahoma 899. 4. Texas A&M 918. 5. Texas Tech 923. T6. Kansas State 927. T6. Colorado 927. 8. Kansas 309. 9. Baylor 943. 10. Missouri 944. 11. Nebraska 945. 12. Iowa State 948.

Top Individuals: 1. Hunter Mahan, Oklahoma State, 208. 2. Jason Hartwick, Texas, 221. T3. Chris Marshall, Kansas, 223. T3. David Tasker, Texas A&M, 223. T3. J.J. Wall, Texas, 223.

Wildcat Individuals: T16. Matt Van celave 230. T23. Aaron Watkins 233. T31. Josh Persons 236. T31. Greg Douglas 236. T36. A.J. Elgert 237.