Emmanuel did its best work down the stretch—and it was enough to make history.
The No. 42 ranked Lions captured their first Conference Carolinas Championship, posting a 5-over 869 total (298-286-285) at Cutter Creek Golf Course in Snow Hill, North Carolina. Back-to-back under-par rounds to close the week proved decisive, lifting Emmanuel to a four-shot victory over a hard-charging Barton College.
The win secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf Championship.
Barton College finished runner-up at 9-over 873 (297-290-286), making a late push but unable to close the gap.
In the individual race, Mount Olive senior Shawn Benson claimed medalist honors at 4 under 212 (72-72-69), earning a one-shot victory. The win continues a strong run for the program, marking the second straight year a Mount Olive player has taken the title after Oscar Lönnqvist in 2025.
Barton’s Winston Knobloch finished just behind at 3-under 213 (72-72-69).
Emmanuel’s depth made the difference.
Freshman Gabriel Hull led the team with a third-place finish at 2-under 214 (74-67-73). Pietro Fenoglio followed in fourth at 1-under 215 (72-73-70), while Lukas Lautrup Nissen added a T-7 finish at 3-over 219 (78-71-70).
Three players inside the top 10—and two strong closing rounds—carried Emmanuel to a breakthrough win.