SMU Golf Moves Into Top 10

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DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU Mustangs have moved up to ninth in the GolfWeek/Sagarin national rankings as of Oct. 9. SMU is also ranked 10th in GolfStat’s computer rankings.

“Its exciting and flattering to be ranked this high early in the year,” Head Coach Josh Gregory stated. “I never thought a year ago we could be at this point. It shows how talented this young group is. But we must focus on the big picture and continue to validate this ranking.”

Individually, freshman Bryson Dechambeau is 46th in GolfWeek’s poll. Also ranked in the top-100 is junior Harry Higgs, who is 91st. SMU has gotten off to a strong start this season with solid performances in two tournaments filled with top-notch teams. The Mustangs finished second at the season-opening Gopher Invitational hosted by Minnesota. Eight of the 15 teams that participated in that event finished the 2011-12 season ranked in the top-40. The Mustangs finished ninth at the Fighting Illini/Olympia Fields Invitational hosted Illinois. Some of the top teams in the country participated, including 10 squads in the top-50 of the GolfStat computer rankings.

“We are fortunate to be playing such a demanding schedule on such quality venues,” Gregory said of his team’s schedule, which is ranked as the 14th-toughest in the nation according to GolfWeek. “We should be very tested and prepared by the end of the year.”

Gregory has previously mentioned that he wants to build SMU into a national power, and these early rankings are evidence that the team may be well on its way.

“We must focus on the big picture and continue to validate this ranking,” Gregory said. “Our long-term goals do not change; that is to contend in each event and become a team by that end of the year that is capable of contending at the NCAA Championship. This team will only get better as the year goes on. I am very excited about coaching this young team.”