Dalton, GA – The 72nd Annual NAIA Men's Golf National Championship, held at Dalton Golf and Country Club, culminated in dramatic fashion as both titles were decided by a single stroke following a two-hour and 25-minute lightning delay during the final round on Friday.
After a sudden-death playoff, senior Juan Ricardo Davila Bone clinched the individual medalist title as the O. D. Bounds National Medalists Trophy winner.
Bone made par on the par-4 18th hole in regulation, setting up the playoff against OUAZ's Kolby Shackelford. Shackelford had shot the tournament's lowest round, a 67 (-5), to secure his playoff spot. On Friday, Bone responded with his best tournament round, a 70 (-2). Both players finished regulation play tied with an even-par 288, with Bone rounds of 71, 74, 73, 70 and Shackelford 75, 74, 72, and 67 over the championship.
Bone said that going out, he knew he did not need to do anything special as long as he scored well.
"I got three birdies early, but I also missed a lot of putts for birdies," said Bone. "I just kept trying to stay focused for the next shot with a one-shot-at-a-time mentality."
Bone said he was unaware that his putt on the 18th green in regulation was to tie for the team lead. However, the second time was for the O. D. Bounds National Medalists Trophy.
"I told coach if this goes in," he said, "it is because I know the line."
Bone said at the start of the season; he knew he had to go out and win an individual title during his college career. He knew it was his last shot and would leave nothing on the table.
"Today, I leave Dalton as the 2024 O. D. Bounds National Medalists," he said. "It feels good to be a Ram."
The team championship also saw intense competition. The Rams began the final round with a one-shot lead over Dalton State on their home course. However, by the turn, TXWES had fallen five shots behind. The Rams managed to close the gap to two strokes when play was halted at 1:55 p.m. ET due to lightning near the course, with three holes remaining. Upon resumption, freshman Colin Price secured a birdie on his 72nd hole, giving the Rams a chance at the team title.
Price said he hit a good shot into the green, got the ball on a line he felt comfortable hitting, and gave the team a chance.
"I knew to give Juan a chance," said Price, "I had to make that putt."
In the end, Dalton State was able to secure the team championship. The victory marks their second in school history, mirroring their narrow one-shot win against the Rams in 2021.
Head Coach Kevin Long said that the team came to Dalton with a plan, and he was happy with how the guys played and overcame their adversities to finish strong. Even though the result was not the outcome, the team had hoped for at the championship.
"While we came up a short, there is much to celebrate this season," said Long. "Having Juan win the O. D. Bounds National Medalists Trophy is an excellent way for the program to honor Mr. Bounds' tradition at Wesleyan and the 11 other award winners in school history. "
Bone and Price were named to the 2024 NAIA Men's Golf All-American team, recognizing their top 15 finishes.
TXWES's runner-up finish marks the 11th in the program's history, complementing their seven national titles.
Team Finish
1 Juan Ricardo Davila Bone 71, 74, 73, 70 288 E
T4 Colin Price 75, 69, 76, 71 291 +3
T29 Tom Ammann 80, 74, 73, 75 302 +14
T53 Agustin Marquez 75, 77, 79, 79 310 +22
T59 Chayan Duha 74, 81, 78, 78 311 +23
