Eastern Illinois men's golf team concluded the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Championships, tying for ninth place with Lindenwood, marking their best performance at the OVC since 2012. The Panthers posted a total score of 912, while Little Rock won the championship. Individual standout Cole Jaworski led EIU, finishing in a tie for 19th with a 54-hole score of 222. The tournament faced interruptions, with play halted before final rounds were completed. Players like Jaworski and Ian Hollander navigated difficult conditions to conclude the tournament on Tuesday.

By the Numbers
  • EIU team score: 912
  • Cole Jaworski's final score: 222, tied for 19th
  • Hollander's total: 224, tied for 27th
Yes, But

Despite a strong team score, the Panthers fell short of progressing to the NCAA Tournament, highlighting the competitive nature of the OVC and the need for improved performance in future championships.

State of Play
  • Little Rock took home the tournament championship, leading from start to finish.
  • Match-play competition will determine the OVC's NCAA Tournament representative, including teams like UT Martin and Tennessee Tech.
What's Next

The Panthers will focus on training and strategizing for upcoming competitions, aiming to build on this season's performance and extend their success into next year's championship.

Bottom Line

EIU men's golf demonstrated significant improvement with a ninth-place finish, but continued dedication and development will be essential to elevate their status in the OVC and secure NCAA Tournament berths in future seasons.