CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A dominant team effort across three rounds at Dalhousie Golf Club secured the top seed for the Little Rock men's golf team at the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference Championship. The Trojans posted a 54-hole team total of 847 (-17), finishing seven shots ahead of second-place Lindenwood as they prepare for Wednesday's match play semifinals.
MATCH PLAY PAIRINGS & TEE TIMES | LIVE SCORE LEADERBOARD | PHOTOS
"What a grind today for Rhett South and so proud to see him get the job done today! I walked the last 7 holes of regulation with him and the entire playoff and he grinded each shot on each hole regardless of the circumstance he was in. He didn't hit it his best today but his short game was nothing short of perfect which is what it takes to win golf tournaments."- Head coach Austin Eoff.
"Another big win for the program as we have had the conference medalist each year we have been in the OVC. As a team we are not done and this group has a fire burning in them from last year. It's time to come out tomorrow and do our thing and play some team golf."
Leading the way was Rhett South, who earned co-medalist honors with UT Martin's Jonathan Xoinis after carding rounds of 67, 70, and 73 to finish at 6-under par. South's consistency across all three days proved crucial in helping Little Rock distance itself from the field.
Matteo Cristoni was not far behind, finishing third overall with a 4-under total of 212 after rounds of 70, 70, and 72. His steady performance not only earned him a spot on the OVC All-Tournament Team, but also capped off a stellar season that led to him being named OVC Player of the Year.
Freddie Turnell turned in a strong championship debut, opening with rounds of 70 and 69 before closing with a 74 to finish tied for seventh at 3-under. Turnell's effort helped solidify Little Rock's lead and earned him OVC Freshman of the Year honors.
Ed Featherstone was a model of consistency over the three days, posting scores of 71, 70, and 72 to finish at 3-under and tie with Turnell. His even-par final round helped keep the Trojans comfortably ahead on the final day.
Rounding out the lineup was Archie Smith, who shot rounds of 75, 69, and 76 to finish at +4. His second-round 69 was key to Little Rock's low team total on Monday and helped the Trojans build their cushion heading into the final round.
Following the conclusion of stroke play, Little Rock swept the conference's major honors. Matteo Cristoni was named OVC Player of the Year, Freddie Turnell earned OVC Freshman of the Year, and head coach Austin Eoff was voted OVC Coach of the Year—an acknowledgment of the team's consistent excellence throughout the season.
Match play begins Wednesday, with the top-seeded Trojans facing No. 4 Morehead State at 8:00 a.m. CT. The winner will advance to the championship match later that afternoon. Live scoring is available at OVCSports.com as Little Rock looks to bring home its second OVC title and first since 2023.
