ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — IU Kokomo men's golf opened its 2026 fall season Saturday and Sunday at the 2026 Highland Championship, held at Highland Springs Golf Course. The Cougars finished 14th in the 23-team field at the two-day event hosted by Augustana College. 

Oliver Gearlds and Luke Watson led the way for IU Kokomo, each finishing the tournament at 4-over. Gearlds opened with a 1-over 73 before carding a 3-over 75 in the final round, while Watson followed an opening-round 77 with a 1-under 71 on Sunday. Both finished tied for 30th individually. 

Watson's 71 was the lowest round of the weekend for the Cougars and moved him 25 spots up the leaderboard on the final day. He finished the tournament with six birdies and an eagle across his two rounds.

Hunter Zdyb followed at 7-over after rounds of 74 and 77, while Lucas Miller finished at 15-over with rounds of 81 and 78. Bryson Worman rounded out the Cougars' five-man lineup at 16-over after carding consecutive rounds of 80. 

IU Kokomo Results

T30. Oliver Gearlds - +4 (73-75)
T30. Luke Watson - +4 (77-71)
T50. Hunter Zdyb - +7 (74-77)
T92. Lucas Miller - +15 (81-78)
T95. Bryson Worman - +16 (80-80)

The Cougars will return to action September 14-15 at the Pretty Lake Intercollegiate, held at Pretty Lake Golf Club in Plymouth, IN.

For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X, and Instagram.