Lee Poppell led the Troy University men’s golf team on the first day of The Border Olympics at Laredo Country Club, shooting a 1-under in the final round. Poppell finished the day tied for 12th place individually after recording five birdies, including three during his afternoon round where he shot a 70 following a morning score of 72. This marks his seventh under-par round of the season.
Pablo Gracia also made an impact, leading all players in scoring on par 3 holes with a 3-under and tying for third in total birdies with nine. Despite this, Gracia faced challenges in the second round, finishing with seven bogeys and a triple bogey alongside six birdies and only four pars. He opened the tournament with an even-par 71, totaling three birdies and three bogeys over his first 18 holes. Gracia is currently tied for 34th place along with teammate Grant Yerger.
Yerger improved in the second round by shooting a 1-under thanks to five birdies, closing out Monday with eight holes under par after making three birdies in the morning session.
As a team, Troy finished Monday at 14-over par and sits in 11th place after two rounds. They are eight shots away from breaking into the top five teams. Houston leads overall at one under par, while Lamar trails by three strokes.
Thomas Crane contributed five birdies to finish tied for 47th at six over par. Lawton Emblom, making his collegiate debut, carded five birdies across both rounds and is tied for 69th place at eleven over.
The final round will be played Tuesday morning starting at 8 a.m., with Troy grouped alongside Texas Rio Grande Valley, Sam Houston State and Houston Christian.
Team standings after two rounds have Houston leading (284-283–567), followed by Lamar (291-279–570). New Mexico State and North Texas are tied for third (286-285–571; 281-290–571), while Tarleton State rounds out the top five (292-282–574).
Troy’s individual scores: Lee Poppell (T12) – 72-70—142; Pablo Gracia (T34) – 71-75—146; Grant Yerger (T34) – 76-70—146; Thomas Crane (T47) – 73-75—148; Lawton Emblom (T69) – 76-77—153.
“Troy plays Tuesday’s final round in a foursome with Texas Rio Grande Valley, Sam Houston State and Houston Christian; teams hit the course beginning at 8 a.m. for the shotgun start,” according to event organizers.
