JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. — CIU men's golf finished seventh out of 17 teams at the Coastal Georgia Winter Invite, held at Jekyll Island Golf Course – Great Dunes, competing against one of the strongest fields of the spring with the majority of the teams ranked inside the NAIA top 40.

Luke Hammond led the Rams with a third-place individual finish, continuing to build one of the most accomplished careers in CIU men's golf history. Hammond opened the tournament with a 75 in round one before bouncing back with a 70 in round two and a 69 in the final round to climb into the top three and bring home another top-three finish.

Nate Caughman tied for 35th overall after shooting 74 in round one, 76 in round two, and 78 in the final round. Andrew Haarlow also tied for 35th, opening with a 71 before posting a 78 in round two and a 79 in the final round. Braydon Hileman rounded out CIU's team scoring with rounds of 77, 80, and 76 across the three-round event.

Camden Stikeleather also competed for the Rams during the tournament.

Head coach Major McWhorter reflected on the week and the team's performance.

"Tough week for us as a team at a difficult course. Proud of the way we competed all the way to the end," McWhorter said. "We have a chance to knock the rust off and make the necessary adjustments before our next tournament in a few weeks. Luke has another stellar tournament, bringing home hardware with a top three finish."

The Rams return to action at the Pioneer Invitational in Spartanburg, S.C., scheduled for Feb. 23–24.