TUNICA - The Northwest Mississippi Community College men's golf team put out a statement on their opening day of play in the 2026-27 season, hosting the Ranger Men's Invitational at the Tunica National Golf Course on Monday, playing 36 holes in conditions that were sometimes daunting, with the heat index well over 100 on the day. The Rangers finished the day with their first team sitting in the top spot at just five-over par and their second team coming in eighth place out of the ten-team field. 

"I thought day one was really good," Head Coach Adam Payne said. "I thought we did a great job of staying composed throughout the day, and we are in a new position of leading the tournament after 36 holes, so we will see what we learn going into tomorrow."

The day was captained by a trio of sophomores who closed out their first two rounds with scores of even or better, paced by Caesar Ingendorf and Cole Elander, who both finished one-under and are sitting tied for second. Not far behind in a tie for sixth is fellow sophomore Atharv Sharma, who finished the day at even par. 

Rounding out the first team for Northwest are Drew Tuccio and Davis Wilkins, who were nine and ten-over, respectively. 

The second team for the Rangers also had a strong showing considering it was made up of five freshman making their debuts. 

Nick Little and Michael Robbins both paced the second team by going 12-over through 36 holes, with both posting rounds of 77 and 79 on the first day. Jordan Stacey followed closely with a 15-over of his own to finish in a tie for 38th place going into the final day, and he was closely followed by Henry Powell, who is in a tie for 40th place at 16-over par. The group was rounded out by Cooper Phillips, who sits in a tie for 43rd at 18-over. 

The marquee moment for the second squad was their second round, where all five finished with scores under 80, something that brought praise from their coach. 

"The freshmen did exceptionally well for a first time out, led by Drew (Tuccio), who shot a 74 in round one. All of the freshmen in round two broke 80, which is the first time that has happened in a long, long time."

Action continues tomorrow for the Rangers with tee times set to begin at 8:30 AM. The first Rangers will be off with Powell leading the second team off the tenth tee at 8:40. Wilkins will be leading the way for the first team at 9:20 off the first tee. 

Follow along with Northwest and the men's golf teams by visiting nwccrangers.com or by following along on Ranger social media accounts.