FRIPP ISLAND, S.C. – USC Upstate men's golf returned to Ocean Creek Golf Course for the Big South Golf Championship, earning the title of 2025 Big South Champions for the first time in program history.

Advancing to the match play final for the first time since 2019 against Charleston Southern, Upstate saw itself in a close contest with the Buccaneers, all coming down to a 19-hole match with Jaskaran Sohal, who birdied the extra hole to secure the championship title. Helping the Spartans to the win was Ross Wright, defeating his opponent 2&1, complete with four birdies and an eagle. Jackson Stone won his match 3&2, carding six birdies in the final.

Head Coach Todd Lawton had all the emotion after the win, stating, "To say that a group of guys persevered would not do it justice it deserves for winning this championship. The guys embraced the opportunity and our coaching push over the last few weeks especially. They are a close group who want great things for each other. I want this experience to be transformative and not just a jubilant transaction. I've been doing this a long time and have had the opportunity to coach great players and teams. This truly has its own place in my heart and my record as a coach. So proud that these guys wear the Upstate "U" and want their best every day! Go Spartans!"

Putting the Spartans into championship contention was the match-play semifinal, with Upstate facing off against the High Point Panthers. Ross Wright got the first win for the Spartans at 4&3, followed by an Alec Prentice win at 3&1 to even the match at 2-2. Jackson Stone sank the putt to advance the Spartans to the final match, securing his win at one up.

Rounds one and two of stroke play were held on Monday, and the Spartans showed they were not strangers to the course, using an exceptional second round of 277 to vault them into second place heading into the final round. On the individual side, freshman Ross Wright sat in second place after carding scores of 70 and 66. Alec Prentice followed, finishing the first two rounds tied for sixth. Jackson Stone rounded out the top-10 finishes for the Spartans, carding scores of 72 and 69.

The final round of stroke play showcased the perseverance of the Spartans, finishing strong on the last three holes of the back nine to secure a second-place tie, advancing to the match play semifinal round.

Big South All-Championship Team Members
Alec Prentice
Ross Wright

Big South Conference event recap: Click here 

UP Next for the Spartans
The 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Golf selection show is slated for April 30 at 1pm ET on Golf Channel. Regional championships are held May 12-14.

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