Will Sides sparks SMU men's golf at The Prestige as the Mustangs battle a tough field, chasing the top 10 with strong individual performances.
SMU men’s golf opened play at The Prestige on Monday with a competitive showing against one of the strongest fields of the spring season.
Competing at PGA West, the Mustangs posted a 10-over team score in round one to sit tied for 15th place out of 24 teams.
The field includes eight top-50 programs, and SMU currently stands ahead of ranked opponents Wake Forest and Colorado. The Mustangs are just four shots shy of breaking into the top 10 heading into Tuesday’s second round.
Senior Will Sides continues to set the tone for SMU’s lineup. Sides fired a one-under 70 to finish the day in 11th place individually.
He opened his round with a birdie and maintained steady play throughout, keeping himself firmly in contention on a demanding layout.
Two freshmen, Ben Steinmann and Mason Lewis, are making early impressions. Both carded 74s and are tied for 55th. Lewis highlighted his round with an even-par 36 on the back nine, while Steinmann limited mistakes, recording just three bogeys over 18 holes.
Gabe Post sits tied for 86th after shooting five over par, but his round included four birdies - a sign that low numbers could be ahead. Zachary Kingsland rounded out the team’s scoring with a 77 and is positioned 94th.
Meanwhile, SMU has representation in the Prestige Individual event at Terra Lago Golf Course.
Andrew Petruzzelli climbed into the top 10 with a 73, closing strong by birdieing two of his final four holes. Areen Aggarwal posted an 82 in his opening round.
Oregon State leads the tournament at 9-under, followed by Oregon at 2-under. Round two tees off Tuesday afternoon, with SMU paired alongside Kansas State and Little Rock as the Mustangs look to make a move up the leaderboard.