Ekert Leads Spiders on Final Day of Haskins Invitational

Saturday, April 5

Augusta, GA

8:30 AM

University of Richmond

Haskins Award Invitational

Cole Ekert holds a high follow-through after his tee shot

Ekert Leads Spiders on Final Day of Haskins Invitational

04/06/2025 | Men's Golf

Results

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Senior Cole Ekert fired a 2-under 70 on the final day of the Haskins Award Invitational, climbing 17 spots on the individual leaderboard as he helped the Spiders to a team score of 3-over par, their best in the 54-hole event.

Richmond finished tied with Kennesaw State for 11th place at 17-over par. Seven of the 10 teams to finish in front of the Spiders are ranked in the top 40 the Division I rankings, part of the most challenging field faced by Richmond this season.

"It was definitely cool to play with some of the best teams in the country," said Ekert. "We all felt like we didn't play our best and weren't too far off the pace of some of those teams, so that can hopefully be a confidence builder moving forward."

Ekert birdied three of his final four holes Sunday to card UR's only under-par round of the weekend and finish tied for 37th in the field of 78.

"I honestly felt like I played the same way the entire tournament. It just happened to be that I scored best on my last few holes," said Ekert. "I felt solid with all parts of my game, but just made some silly mistakes yesterday. I thought it was a really fun, tough setup with firm greens and tucked pins. We all had to have a good amount of discipline this week and the more patient I got from yesterday to today, the better I felt I played."

Ekert's 11 birdies were tied with freshman Carson Baez for the most among Spiders. Baez finished tied for 44th at 4-over par (220), one shot in front of sophomore Quin Polin, who tied for 47th at 5-over par (221).

Sophomore Jack LaPiana tied for 51st at 7-over par, and senior Patrick Isztwan placed 76th at 17-over par (233).

"This week was a great experience for the guys," said coach Adam Decker. "We will re-group and move on to the Tar Heel Intercollegiate next weekend. There's a lot to reflect on and learn from this week though. The guys are resilient and will be better for having played hard through the final round."

Richmond will attend Monday's practice round for The Masters at nearby Augusta National Golf Club. UR's final competition prior to the A-10 Tournament will come on April 12-13 in Chapel Hill, N.C. at the Tar Heel Intercollegiate at Finley Golf Club.