Men's golf kicks off 2026 season

Troy men’s golf closed out its first match of the spring on Tuesday at the Border Olympics in Laredo, Texas. 

Houston played host to the tournament and earned the win out of 13 teams competing.

Troy finished in 11th, beating Sam Houston and Wright State. Other teams included Tarleton State, North Texas, Illinois State and others including Sun Belt foe Louisiana. The Ragin’ Cajuns placed eighth. 

Lee Poppell swings during the NCAA Regionals last season. (Troy Athletics photo)

Troy was led by Lee Poppell, Pablo Gracia and Thomas Crane. The three each finished in the top 50. Poppell finished day one 1-under par, but closed out the tournament on day two with a 4-over final nine to finish 2-over. Gracia sat 6-over while Crane was ten-over. 

Gracia managed to shoot 1-under on par 3s. He also had 11 birdies, tying for the 12th most among the field. 

Houston ranks 50th in the nation and earned the win with a team score of 850. Troy’s 11th place came at 877.  

The Trojans now get a brief rest before heading to Lake Charles, Louisiana, for the Golden Nugget Invitational. Lamar will play host in the second match of the spring on March 2-3.