Sargent Concludes Tops' First NCAA Regional Trip in a Decade

Wednesday, May 16

Kissimmee, Fla.

Western Kentucky University

NCAA Regional

Photo by: WKU Athletics

Sargent Concludes Tops' First NCAA Regional Trip in a Decade

5/16/2018 1:19:00 PM | Men's Golf

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — WKU golfer Billy Tom Sargent wrapped up a standout season Wednesday with a final-round 76 in the NCAA Kissimmee (Fla.) Regional.

Sargent finished tied for 70th with a three-day, 11-over tally of 227 (78-73-76) at the par-72, 7,154-yard Reunion Resort Watson Course.

In Wednesday's final round, Sargent continued his strong play on the back nine with a birdie on No. 18 to begin the shotgun start. The redshirt junior played the back nine at a combined even par across the three days.

Sargent, a Georgetown, Ky., native, is just the second Hilltopper to ever compete in a NCAA Regional as an individual, and the first since Brent Long in 2008. WKU's only other NCAA appearance came as a team in 2006.

"Today was a rough day as well," Sargent said. "The whole experience was a great learning experience, and it was much-needed. I learned a lot this week that will help me moving forward this summer and next year. I learned a lot of things I need to work on that will help me in the long run. Regionals was a great experience, and I hope to be back next year."

It was the final chapter in a stellar season that earned Sargent a spot on the All-Conference USA Second Team, the first all-league honors for a Hilltopper since 2010.

He was the team's top finisher at seven events, recording nine top-20s, five top-10s, three top-fives and one victory at the Border Olympics – his third career individual win.

He also finished tied for 11th at the 2018 Conference USA Championship, the best conference tournament result by a Hilltopper since 2010.

"The best players in the world have the shortest memories," WKU head coach Phillip Hatchett said. "This one will sting for BT for a while, but the longer you dwell on a poor performance, the longer it will drag you down. BT is a very positive person with a winner's mentality. He will reflect on this tournament and pull all the positives he can from the experience and move on. One tournament never defines a player.

"I am so proud of his accomplishments this year. To think he has one more year as a Hilltopper means he has another year to redeem himself in the NCAA competition and to help us as a team reach our lofty goals. All experiences in this game are valuable – you just have to dig deep into it to pull it out. He is a fighter and a winner. I am proud to have him back on The Hill for another year to continue where he left off."