Men's Golf Travels to Grier Jones Shocker Invitational

Sunday, October 6

Newton, Kan.

10:30 a.m. ET

Xavier University

Grier Jones Shocker Invitational

Men's Golf Travels to Grier Jones Shocker Invitational

10.03.24 | Men's Golf

Tournament Information (PDF)Live Scoring

The three-day tournament is being played at Sand Creek Station Golf Club in Newton, Kan.

By: Brian Arlinghaus

As the Xavier Musketeers prepare for the Grier Jones Shocker Invitational at Sand Creek Station in Wichita, Kansas, the team is looking to build on the momentum of its first two tournaments. Led by standout performances from A.J. Wilhelm, Carson Bellish, the Musketeers are poised for a strong showing in a competitive field.

RECENT TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS

JT POSTON INVITATIONAL

The Musketeers finished 5th in a field that tested their resilience. Despite a challenging final round that saw the team post a combined +13, the squad showed moments of brilliance, particularly from Carson Bellish, who finished T-9 overall at even par. Bellish was impressive with a stellar second-round 67 (-5), propelling him up the leaderboard. Kellen Dean also had a solid tournament, finishing T-14 with a +1 overall, highlighted by a strong second round of 70 (-2). AJ Wilhelm struggled at times, finishing T-37 with a +8 score but managed to card a 71 (-1) in the second round.

GIT-R-DONE INVITATIONAL

The Musketeers rebounded at the Git R Done Invitational, finishing T-4 overall. AJ Wilhelm shined, finishing T-4 individually at -6, including a final-round 67 (-5), demonstrating his ability to close out tournaments strong. Carson Bellish continued his consistent play with a T-9 finish at -3, showing steady improvement throughout the tournament. Kellen Dean battled to a T-31 finish, posting a +5 overall. The team's ability to compete against tough opposition signals a promising trajectory heading into the Grier Jones Shocker Invitational.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CARSON BELLISH

Carson Bellish has been Xavier's most consistent performer in recent weeks. After a top-10 finish at the JT Poston Invitational and a solid showing at the Git R Done Invitational, Bellish enters this tournament full of confidence. His ability to navigate tough courses and post low scores, particularly in the middle rounds, will be crucial to the Musketeers' success.

A.J. WILHELM

A.J. Wilhelm's individual performance (T4) at the Git R Done Invitational was a major confidence boost after a rocky showing at the JT Poston Invitational. His final-round 67 (-5) at the Git R Done proves he has the potential to lead the team at Sand Creek Station. Wilhelm's ball-striking and ability to score under pressure will be key if Xavier hopes to contend for a top finish.

KELLEN DEAN

Kellen Dean has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in his second-round 70 (-2) at the JT Poston Invitational. While he's been steady, Dean will look to find ways to contribute some under par rounds to the teams total as he prepares for the Grier Jones Shocker Invitational. A strong performance from him will provide Xavier with the depth they need to contend.

RAY FILTER

Ray Filter makes his tournament debut for the Musketeers this week.
In the team's conference championship run last April , Filter played a critical role by delivering clutch performances during the final 2 rounds. His calm under pressure and ability to execute in tight situations helped Xavier push towards the top of the leaderboard at the end of the event.
Filter's freshman year set the foundation for what promises to be a bright collegiate golf career. His early fiery attitude and ability to handle the pressure of competition have made him one of the rising stars on the Xavier men's golf team.

LEO WALLING

Freshman Leo Walling makes his second start for the Musketeers after replacing the injured Zach Burton in Nebraska.
Walling played stretches of exceptionally good golf in Nebraska and is sure to have learned valuable lessons from that event and put them to good use in Wichita.
Leo's high energy and athleticism make him an ideal fit for this lineup.

TOURNAMENT OUTLOOK

The Grier Jones Shocker Invitational offers a prime opportunity for the Xavier Musketeers to continue building on their recent results. Sand Creek Station, known for its challenging greens and strategic layout, will test the players' ability to maintain focus and manage their shots. With a lineup, of which any one of the 5 could be the best player, the Musketeers are poised for a strong showing in Wichita.
If Xavier's top performers can replicate their best rounds from previous tournaments, and get steady consistent performances from the 4 & 5 spot you expect them to be in the mix for a top finish once again.