The No. 3 University of North Georgia men’s golf team saw their season come to an end on Friday morning, falling 4-1 to the No. 1 Colorado Christian University (CCU) Cougars in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The match, which was delayed by lightning on Thursday, ultimately came down to the final holes. After a see-saw battle, CCU secured the win with a birdie on the 18th hole by Xavier Bighaus, defeating UNG’s graduate student Jack Vajda. Vajda, who had defeated Bighaus in the National Championship a season ago, held a 3 UP lead with four holes to play, but Bighaus rallied with three birdies on the final three holes, including a 10-foot putt for eagle on the 18th.
The Cougars took a 2-0 lead in the overall match after Adam Duncan defeated UNG’s Ethan Day in the second match. Despite a late surge by the Nighthawks, CCU closed out the final two matches to seal the victory.
This heartbreaking loss comes on the heels of a successful season for the Nighthawks, who saw junior Hunter Smith become the program’s first individual national champion. The seniors on the team, including Vajda, Day, and Hughes Threlkeld, leave behind a legacy of hard work and dedication that has elevated the program to new heights.
“Not tears of joy or sadness, but tears of gratitude. A thank you for your hard work and sacrifice. A genuine display of love, connection and a longing for this relationship to continue.” Worley said of his seniors.
The 2025 UNG men’s golf team will be remembered for their accomplishments both on and off the course. They leave behind a strong foundation for continued success.
