SAN ANTONIO – The ULM men's golf team returns to the links this week, looking to build on its runner-up finish at the 2019 Sun Belt Conference Championship, when the Warhawks begin the 2019-20 season on Monday at the Lone Star Invitational hosted by UTSA.
The Warhawks, one of 15 teams competing in the event, will travel with six players, including
Andoni Etchenique,
Guillaume Fanonnel,
Michael Gilbert,
Joao Girao,
Harry Lord and
Keegan McLachlan. The 2019-20 ULM unit consists of four seniors—Etchenique, Fanonnel, Girao and
Thibault Santigny—along with three sophomores and a pair of freshmen.
Etchenique, who capped off his junior slate with three Top-20 finishes, had his best finish (third) at the Bubba Barnett Intercollegiate (April 1-2). He played 24 rounds over the course of the season, carding four rounds in the 60s. His best single round performance (66) came at both the Lake Charles Toyota Invitational (March 18-19) and the Sun Belt Conference Championship (April 21-23).
Fanonnel, who was both a First Team All-Sun Belt Conference performer and an NCAA Regional Qualifier, ended his junior season with six Top-20 outings. The Lyon, France, native enjoyed his best finish at the Tiger Invitational (Feb. 24-26), finishing in a tie for third. Fanonnel, who played 27 rounds a season ago, finished with 20 rounds with scores in the 70s and seven in the 60s. Playing his best golf in the latter half of the season, Fanonnel capped off his best round (68) twice at the Sun Belt Conference Championship (April 21-23) and once at the NCAA Regionals.
Gilbert's freshman campaign at ULM ended with one Top-30, which came at last season's Lone Star Invitational, where he placed 26
th. In 16 rounds of play, Gilbert had 15 with scores in the 70s and one in the 60s. His best round of the season (67) came in the second round of the Sun Belt Conference Championship (April 21-23).
Girao will look to provide leadership for the ULM squad in 2019-20 after a trio of Top-20 outings last year. His best finish, 10
th, was at the 2018 Lone Star Invitational where he had a two-round total of 146 (75-71). Girao fired 11 rounds in the 70s and five in the 60s, including a season-low round of 67 at the Old Waverly Collegiate Championships on April 15-17.
Lord will be making his collegiate debut this weekend after recording a 72.33 scoring average over 12 rounds this spring, resulting in three Top-20 finishes. He recorded scores under par in six of 12 rounds, including three rounds in the 60s.
McLachlan wrapped up his first year with the Warhawks by taking part in five tournaments, including his collegiate debut at the 2018 Lone Star Invitational, where he was tied for 20
th with a score of 148 (73-75). The 20
th-place finish was his best of the season, while his best single round (69) was at the Louisville Cardinal Challenge (Sept. 14-16), in the opening round of action.
For more information on ULM men's golf check out
www.ulmwarhawks.com.
