The SMU men’s golf team had a pair of solid performances over Spring Break, taking 10th place at the Louisiana Classics before finishing in fifth place at the Pinehurst Intercollegiate in North Carolina.

Junior Kelly Kraft was at the top of his game in Louisiana, finishing in sixth place at the end of the two-day event. At the end of the second round, Kraft was sitting in 12th place, but an even par 72 in the third and final round propelled him into the top 10. His final score was a respectable 1-under 215.

As a team, the Mustangs shot 887, just 23 strokes over first place winner LSU. The Tigers also had the winning medalist Andrew Loupe, who finished at 8-under 208.

Four teams finished with only one or two strokes better than SMU. The University of New Orleans and the University of Southern Mississippi both carded an 886, while the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Texas State University both finished at 885.

At the Pinehurst Intercollegiate, Kraft was not as dominating, but fortunately the rest of the Mustangs stepped up and four SMU players finished in the top 30. As a team, SMU finished with an 891 for fifth place. Virginia Tech took first with an 876.

Senior Ben Tewes led the Mustangs with a final score of 223, which was good for 21st place. Kraft and senior Draegen Majors carded identical scores of 224, tying them for 26th place. Sophomore James Kwon tied for 29th place with a final score of 225.

Sophomore Max Buckley, playing unattached to SMU, finished in a tie for 18th place with a final score of 222. He finished strong over the final 36 holes, hitting 72-72 to cement his standing.

The Mustangs head to Tuscon, Ariz. next to participate in the National Invitational Tournament, one of the top major college golf events of the spring season. The event will span over two days, March 17-18, and 54-holes. Of the 14 teams that make up the field, four are ranked in the top 20 and five are ranked in the top 50. SMU is ranked No. 35.