FREEPORT, Ill. — The Southwestern Spartans men's golf team opened its 2025 fall season this week at the Highland 36, the first collegiate golf tournament of the year, hosted by Highland Community College. Competing with two full squads, the Spartans secured a fourth- and fifth-place team finish, separated by just four shots.

Freshman Hayden Thompson made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut, posting a strong second round to earn a top-15 individual finish.

Head coach Doug North noted that while the Spartans aim to contend for wins at every event, this early-season showing provided valuable perspective against national competition away from Creston. Illinois Central, the eventual team champion, entered the event coming off a No. 3 national ranking last season.

"This was a good measuring stick to see where we stand at the start of the year," North said. "We showed some depth with both teams competing closely, but we need to improve our scoring on Par 5s and be sharper on the greens. That will be the focus as we prepare for our home event."

The Spartans return to action next week when they host the War at the Moor in Creston.