Photo by: Kevan Albright
Wildcats Wrap Up First Round of Abilene Christian Intercollegiate
10/19/2026 9:50:00 PM | Men's Golf
GRANBURY, Texas — Maximilian Björnström and Kade McDonough tied to lead Abilene Christian men's golf through the first round of the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate on Monday. The pair tied for 27th place at 3-over 75 at Halbert National while the Wildcats slotted into ninth place at 20-over 308.
ACU continues its inaugural tournament with Tuesday's second round. Preston DeFriend and Jack Hollingsed, competing as individuals, will tee off at 9:45 a.m., while Luis Buech will get things started for the Wildcats' lineup at 11:35 a.m.
There will be live coverage of the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate on Golf Channel from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Björnström tied for fifth on par 4s at 1-under, while McDonough drew for sixth on par 5s at 1-under. Both golfers registered a trio of birdies, with each scoring 1-under on the par-5 No. 1. Björnström tied for the team lead with 11 pars.
Freshman Cooper Watson followed in a tie for 32nd place at 4-over 76 with a team-high five birdies, tied for third-most in the field. He bookended his day with birdies on No. 10 and No. 1 while scoring below par on three of his first six holes.
DeFriend and Hollingsed, competing in the same trio, each tied for 40th place at 7-over 79 with a birdie apiece. Hollingsed matched Björnström with 11 pars. Rex Hargrove landed in 46th place at 10-over 82, and Luis Buech tied for 47th at 12-over 84.
ACU continues its inaugural tournament with Tuesday's second round. Preston DeFriend and Jack Hollingsed, competing as individuals, will tee off at 9:45 a.m., while Luis Buech will get things started for the Wildcats' lineup at 11:35 a.m.
There will be live coverage of the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate on Golf Channel from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Björnström tied for fifth on par 4s at 1-under, while McDonough drew for sixth on par 5s at 1-under. Both golfers registered a trio of birdies, with each scoring 1-under on the par-5 No. 1. Björnström tied for the team lead with 11 pars.
Freshman Cooper Watson followed in a tie for 32nd place at 4-over 76 with a team-high five birdies, tied for third-most in the field. He bookended his day with birdies on No. 10 and No. 1 while scoring below par on three of his first six holes.
DeFriend and Hollingsed, competing in the same trio, each tied for 40th place at 7-over 79 with a birdie apiece. Hollingsed matched Björnström with 11 pars. Rex Hargrove landed in 46th place at 10-over 82, and Luis Buech tied for 47th at 12-over 84.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
Monday, October 19
Sunday, October 18
Tuesday, October 13
Monday, October 12
