Burnette and Flames advance to second straight NCAA regionals championship

Photo by Reily Rogers courtesy of Lee Athletic Communications

The Lee University men’s golf team won their first Gulf South championship in the program’s history. They opened up a seven-shot lead after one round. The next two were no different. The Flames increased their lead until the final hole, and won the conference tournament by 18 strokes. With their victory, they also received an automatic bid to the NCAA South Region Championships in May. 

Beck Burnette, Golfstat.com’s #2 player in the country, finished tied for second with teammate Oliver Lewis-Perkins. Burnette has won several individual events for the Flames in his career and was an integral part of the Flames team that won the South Region Championship a year ago. However, Burnette says this year is just as demanding as last year’s regional championships. 

“Last year was really fun, but we can’t let what we did a year ago impede on what we have going right now. Last year’s trophy didn't play three rounds this year. We have to go out and play our best golf to win this one again and get to nationals,” said Burnette.

The Flames have stuck with the same five players for the majority of the spring season and have seen the growth of junior business major, Connor Pollman. According to golfstat.com, Pollman has become one of the best golfers in the country this season. Burnette says it’s credited to Pollman’s work behind the scenes. 

“Connor is one of the hardest working teammates I’ve had,” said Burnette. “He is seeing the growth this season in his tournament performance, but he’s always been this good. I’m so happy for him.” 

After a top-three performance at the conference tournament this weekend, Pollman shared his excitement with Lee’s Director of Athletic Communications, Carman Lastoria, postgame.

"I'm so proud of these guys," Pollman said. "This was a goal of ours coming into the year— to win this tournament— and I'm glad I could help play a part in this. It's a great feeling."

Director of Golf, John Maupin, said it was a complete team victory in Mobile. 

"This one feels good after a lot of close calls over the years," Maupin told Lee’s athletic department post-match. "I'm just really proud of how our guys came out these last two days and took care of business. Beck was steady for us all three rounds, Connor really helped get us going in round one yesterday and Dalton and Ollie went low today to extend the lead. Dustin was 1-under over 36 yesterday, so everyone contributed to this win, and we are certainly going to enjoy it."

If the Flames win the South Region tournament, they’ll compete in the NCAA Division-II National Championships for the second consecutive year. The team saw success in that tournament last year, advancing to the elite 8 before falling to Indianapolis in Match Play.

For more information on the men’s golf team visit, leeuflames.com