BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – The University of Central Missouri Men's Golf team punched its ticket to the NCAA Championships after finishing third at the NCAA Central/Midwest Regional. The Mules posted a three-round score of 873 (294, 280, 299) to finish at 9-over par. The berth marks the 16th NCAA Championship appearance under head coach Tim Poe.

CJ Phillips claimed the individual regional title, becoming the first Mule to earn medalist honors since Matt Hoemann in 2021 and the fifth individual regional champion under Poe. Phillips finished at 5-under par with a 211 (68, 66, 77), recording 12 birdies and two eagles across the tournament.

Grand Valley State captured the team title at 3-over par, followed by Missouri-St. Louis took second at 8-over. MIAA rival Washburn Ichabods secured the final qualifying spot in fourth with 15-over par.

Brooks Baldwin tied for 10th after finishing at 1-over par with a 217 (74, 69, 74), highlighted by 10 birdies. Freshman Kale Flinton tied for 43rd at 8-over par with a 224 (78, 73, 73) and totaled 12 birdies. Lawson Barks followed closely behind, carding a 225 (78, 72, 75) to finish at 9-over par.

Jack Hope was substituted in for Andrew Whittaker during the final round and shot a 78 (+6).

The Mules now head to Boulder City for the NCAA Championships, scheduled for May 18-22. Stroke play begins on May 18.