October 25, 2025

UNM Men’s Golf Team Places 12th at Steelwood Collegiate Invitational

Loxley, Alabama, October 25, 2025

The University of New Mexico men’s golf team wrapped up their fall season with a 12th place finish at the Steelwood Collegiate Invitational in Alabama. With a total score of 885 over three rounds, the young Lobos faced stiff competition and challenging windy conditions. Junior Carlos Rivera led the team with a 2-under total of 214, earning him honorable mention. Coach Randy Wesson noted improvements in short game consistency as the team prepares for the spring season.

UNM Men’s Golf Team Finishes 12th at Steelwood Collegiate Invitational

Loxley, Alabama – The University of New Mexico men’s golf team concluded their fall schedule at the Steelwood Collegiate Invitational, placing 12th out of 15 competing teams with a total score of 885 across three rounds. This performance capped a season focused on development for the young squad, as they faced challenging windy conditions and strong competition from programs like Rice and Vanderbilt.

The Lobos’ showing highlighted both areas of growth and opportunities for refinement heading into the spring. Junior Carlos Rivera stood out as the team’s top performer, carding a 2-under 214 to earn individual honorable mention recognition. His consistent play provided a bright spot amid the team’s overall mid-pack finish. The event, held at the Steelewood Golf Club, tested the players’ adaptability, particularly in short game execution under variable weather.

Team Performance Breakdown

Over the three rounds, UNM posted scores that reflected steady effort but fell short of the top spots dominated by elite teams. The final tally of 885 placed them behind frontrunners like Rice, which claimed the title, and Vanderbilt, known for their depth in collegiate golf. Despite the result, the tournament served as valuable preparation, exposing the Lobos to high-level play that will inform their training regimen.

Coach Randy Wesson noted improvements in the team’s short game consistency, even as wind affected shot control throughout the competition. This resilience bodes well for future outings, where environmental factors often play a key role. The young roster, still building experience, demonstrated potential in individual efforts like Rivera’s, which could translate to stronger collective results in upcoming events.

Season Context and Next Steps

With this tournament behind them, UNM’s fall record stands at 2-8-1, underscoring a season dedicated to fostering depth for NCAA regional qualification. The focus has been on integrating newer players and refining techniques to compete at the national level. The Steelwood event, featuring 15 teams from various conferences, offered a competitive benchmark, allowing the Lobos to measure progress against peers.

Looking ahead, the team will pause until February, when they return for the Arizona Intercollegiate. This break provides time to address inconsistencies observed in Alabama, such as adapting to wind and maintaining momentum over multiple rounds. Wesson’s emphasis on short game work suggests targeted practice sessions to elevate performance. The spring schedule will be crucial for positioning UNM toward postseason contention, building on the foundation laid this fall.

Player Highlights and Tournament Insights

Rivera’s 2-under total not only led the Lobos but also showcased his ability to navigate tough conditions, finishing among the top individual performers not on winning teams. Other contributors added to the team score, though the overall 885 reflected challenges in cumulative scoring. The invitational’s format, spanning 54 holes, demanded endurance, an area where the squad gained practical experience.

Competing against established programs like Rice and Vanderbilt exposed UNM to diverse strategies and pressures. These matchups, even in a non-conference setting, are essential for a team aiming to climb rankings. The 12th-place finish, while not ideal, aligns with a developmental phase, prioritizing long-term growth over immediate wins.

Broader Implications for UNM Golf

The fall slate’s 2-8-1 record indicates a rebuilding effort, with emphasis on depth to support NCAA goals. Events like the Steelwood Collegiate provided real-world testing, helping identify strengths in players like Rivera and areas for team-wide improvement. As winter training begins, the Lobos will refine their approach, setting the stage for a competitive spring.

In summary, UNM’s performance at the invitational wraps a foundational fall season, blending individual promise with collective lessons. The path to February’s Arizona event offers opportunities to harness these insights, positioning the team for elevated play in the months ahead.

FAQ

What was the final placement and score for the UNM men’s golf team at the Steelwood Collegiate Invitational?

The University of New Mexico men’s golf team finished 12th out of 15 teams with a score of 885 over three rounds.

Who led the UNM team in scoring at the event?

Junior Carlos Rivera led the Lobos with a 2-under 214, earning individual honorable mention.

What challenges did the team face during the tournament?

The team dealt with windy conditions that impacted short game consistency.

How does this result fit into UNM’s fall season record?

UNM’s fall record stands at 2-8-1, with a focus on building depth for NCAA regionals.

When is the team’s next competition?

The team’s next action is in February at the Arizona Intercollegiate.

What did the coach highlight about the team’s performance?

Coach Randy Wesson highlighted improvements in short game consistency amid windy conditions.

Key Features of UNM Men’s Golf Fall Season

Feature	Details
Fall Record	2-8-1
Steelwood Placement	12th out of 15 teams
Total Score at Steelwood	885 over three rounds
Top Performer	Carlos Rivera (2-under 214)
Individual Honor	Honorable mention for Rivera
Focus Area	Building depth for NCAA regionals
Next Event	February: Arizona Intercollegiate