JOPLIN, Mo. – Vincennes University sophomore golfer Preston Broce (Indianapolis, Ind.) wrapped up his week at the 2024 NJCAA Division II Golf National Championships Friday afternoon, finishing the four day tournament with a total score of 315, placing him in a tie for 73rd place overall.
Broce’s week got off to a rocky start with the opening round Tuesday at Twins Hills Golf and Country Club in Joplin, Mo.
Battling some tough weather conditions, Broce got the week started with by shooting an 85 in the opening round, leaving him in a tie for 100th place after the first day.
Broce was able to bounce back and climb up the leaderboard in the second round Wednesday morning, closing out the front nine Wednesday with back-to-back birdies to shoot a one-over par 73 and climb 33 places to a tie for 67th overall.
Broce took a slight step back in the third round Thursday, with two holes on the back nine causing the most damage but Broce was able to steady the round with two birdies to finish with an 81 on Thursday.
Broce finished out the week with another strong round Friday, again closing out the front nine with a birdie and later claiming another birdie on the back nine to close out the tournament with a four-over 76 in the final round.
Broce was able to climb 10 places on the leaderboard with his round on Friday, finishing out his VU career with a 73rd place finish at the NJCAA National Championships.
Broce was able to come away from the National tournament with some more accolades however, as Broce was named to the All-Central Region team.
“Preston was named to the Central Region team for his play this season, which was certainly deserving,” VU Hall of Fame Golf Coach Dennis Chattin said. “I know he was a little disappointed in the final results of the tournament but he made the cut for the final two days and literally three holes cost him 10 shots in the final two rounds. If not for one who today he shoots and even par and without the two holes yesterday, he shoots a 75.”
“Preston is a great guy and a great player and has certainly added to the VU Golf program,” Chattin added. “He will fit in very well at the DI level at IU Indy next season. This is the problem with coaching Junior College golf. When you have to say goodbye to this type of young man.”
Mississippi Golf Coast Community College ended up claiming the National Championship as a team, with Grant Greazel of Kirkwood Community College claiming the Individual Championship after shooting an outstanding three under for the tournament.
