SEARCY – Harding University sophomore Bruce McMullen shot a 1-over 143 to place fifth and lead the Bisons to a sixth-place team finish at the 2010 Natural State Golf Classic. Harding hosted the tournament Monday and Tuesday at the Red Apple Country Club in Heber Springs, Ark.
McMullen, a native of Cape Town, South Africa, shot an even-par 71 in round one, his team-leading fourth round of par or better this season. He followed that with a 72 in round two. His score of 143 was his second-lowest two-round score of the season.
Brett Munson of North Alabama defeated Ben Cuzen of Henderson State in a playoff to win the individual title. Munson and Cuzen both shot 6-under 136.
North Alabama won the team title by 23 strokes over Henderson State. The Lions shot 3-under 565, the only team in the tournament to shoot under par.
McMullen has been on quite a run of late. He has finished in the top seven in each of his last three tournaments and moved into second on the team with a 76.7 stroke average.
Harding freshman Lewis Jackson tied for 18th for the Bisons with an 8-over 150. Sophomore Dustin Richter tied for 31st with a 12-over 154. Freshman Blake Chase and freshman Ryan Hadash tied for 41st at 16-over 158, and freshman Brandon Cauldwell placed 50th with an 18-over 160.
Harding will conclude its 2010 season next Monday and Tuesday at the Gulf South Conference Championship at the Hot Springs (Ark.) Country Club.
Natural State Golf Classic
Red Apple Country Club
Heber Springs, Ark.
Dates: 4/12-13/2010
Par 71, 6451 yards
Fin. Team Scores Total Par
6 Harding........................ 309 297 606 +38
Fin. Player Team Scores Total Par
5 Bruce McMullen....... Harding................... 71 72 143 +1
t 18 Lewis Jackson........ Harding................... 76 74 150 +8
t 31 Dustin Richter....... Harding................... 75 79 154 +12
t 41 Blake Chase.......... Harding................... 85 73 158 +16
t 41 Ryan Hadash.......... Harding................... 80 78 158 +16
50 Brandon Cauldwell.... Harding................... 82 78 160 +18