For the seventh time since 2016, the Oklahoma men’s golf team has qualified for match play at the NCAA Championships, once again solidifying its status as one of the premier programs in collegiate golf. The Sooners secured the No. 5 seed and are now set for a dramatic Bedlam showdown against archrival Oklahoma State in the NCAA Quarterfinals. The matchup promises intensity, pride, and a shot at advancing deeper into the most prestigious event in college golf.
The Sooners showed composure and consistency over the grueling four rounds of stroke play at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California. Navigating through tricky pin positions, gusty coastal winds, and pressure-packed moments, Oklahoma demonstrated why it continues to be a fixture among the NCAA’s elite. The team turned in a collective performance marked by depth, balance, and mental toughness, hallmarks of head coach Ryan Hybl’s tenure.
With four players finishing in the top 40 individually, the Sooners used steady scoring to separate themselves from the chasing pack. Veteran leadership and timely execution proved decisive, as Oklahoma held its nerve during the final stretch when a handful of teams were battling for the last few spots in the match play bracket. Ultimately, the Sooners finished stroke play in fifth place, earning their place in the single-elimination match play bracket that determines the national champion.
“This team has been resilient all year,” Hybl said after Monday’s round. “They’ve battled through adversity and embraced every challenge thrown their way. To be back in match play is a testament to their work ethic and belief in one another. We’re not done yet.”
The Sooners will now face Oklahoma State in a high-stakes Bedlam matchup that carries added meaning beyond just advancing in the tournament. Bedlam, already one of the most heated rivalries in college sports, takes on new weight in this context, with a berth in the NCAA Semifinals hanging in the balance. It will be a clash of titans, pitting the fifth-seeded Sooners against the fourth-seeded Cowboys, who also performed strongly during stroke play.
Oklahoma State, like Oklahoma, is no stranger to success on the national stage. The Cowboys have a storied golf tradition and feature a roster loaded with talent and experience. The last time the two programs met in such a high-pressure postseason setting, sparks flew, and fans can expect more of the same in Tuesday’s quarterfinal showdown.
Hybl and his staff have long emphasized a team-first culture, and that approach has paid dividends once again. Rather than relying on one or two stars, the Sooners have built a deep and cohesive unit that thrives in the crucible of championship golf. Their balance across the lineup gives them multiple options in match play, a format where head-to-head matchups, mental strength, and strategy become paramount.
Redshirt senior Drew Goodman, a steady presence for the Sooners all season, played a critical role during stroke play, carding several key rounds under par. Alongside him, junior Ben Lorenz, sophomore Jase Summy, freshman Jacob Goff, and graduate transfer Patrick Welch each contributed vital scores that lifted Oklahoma above the cut line. That collective effort will now shift into match play mode, where every hole, putt, and decision could make the difference.
The Sooners are no strangers to match play success. Under Hybl, they won the 2017 NCAA Championship and have made multiple semifinal appearances in the years since. Their familiarity with the format and unwavering mindset in pressure situations will be assets as they prepare to take on the Cowboys.
Match play is often unpredictable, and momentum can swing quickly. But the Sooners believe in their ability to stay composed, embrace the moment, and execute when it matters most. Hybl has instilled in his team a fierce competitive spirit that thrives in the head-to-head battles that define this phase of the championship.
The setting at La Costa Resort adds to the magnitude of the moment. A venue known for its beauty and challenge, the course has tested players throughout the week with its demanding greens and punishing rough. Every shot must be calculated, every mistake minimized. And in match play, the margin for error becomes even thinner.
Beyond the on-course stakes, Tuesday’s Bedlam clash carries emotional weight. For the seniors and graduate players, this is the culmination of years of dedication, hours of practice, and countless team moments. For younger players, it’s a chance to make a lasting impact on the program’s legacy. For all involved, it’s a rare opportunity to compete on the grandest stage of college golf with pride, passion, and rivalry fueling every swing.
In the broader picture, Oklahoma’s sustained success on the national stage continues to elevate the program’s profile. Since Hybl took over in 2009, the Sooners have built a culture centered on excellence, development, and grit. Seven match play appearances in nine years underscore the program’s consistency and high standards.
As the golf world turns its eyes to Tuesday’s quarterfinals, all eyes will be on Bedlam. The Sooners and Cowboys, two proud programs with rich histories, will battle not just for bragging rights but for a spot in the NCAA Semifinals and a chance to chase the ultimate prize.
For Hybl and the Sooners, the path forward is clear: stay focused, stay hungry, and embrace the challenge. Tuesday offers a chance to add another chapter to Oklahoma golf lore, and this team is poised to rise to the occasion.
When the sun rises over La Costa, a fierce and focused Sooner squad will be ready. The stakes are high, the opponent is familiar, and the goal remains the same: survive, advance, and bring a national title back to Norman. It’s match play time. It’s Bedlam. And Oklahoma is ready.
