Ball State University Athletics
Monday, April 13
Bridgeport, W.Va.
Ball State University
vs
Mountaineer Invitational
Photo by: Bobby Ellis/Ball State University
Gilmore Fires Cardinals' Best Round Tuesday in West Virginia
April 14, 2026 | Men's Golf
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. -- A double bogey on his final hole separated Happy Gilmore from an even scorecard on Tuesday, but through 17 holes he balanced three birdies and three bogeys to lead Ball State through the final round at the Mountaineer Invitational in West Virginia. For the second straight day, Gilmore shot the Cardinals' best round, gaining 12 spots in individual standings to tie teammate Samuel Harris in 47th place among 104 competitors.
Starting on the 10th hole to begin round three at the par-72 course at Pete Dye Golf Club, Gilmore (77-71-74---222) birdied his first hole to go under par, but bogeyed the 11th to stay even. He stayed within a stroke of par through 13 holes when he was 1-over, then he shot birdie again on the par-5 eighth hole to sit even again. The double bogey on the par-4 ninth was the only time in his final two rounds that Gilmore's scorecard reached two over par.
The sophomore was Ball State's best golfer over the last two rounds, staying just four strokes ahead of talented freshman Samuel Harris (73-72-77---222). The teammates were tied after 54 holes.
Fellow freshman Luke Johnston (80-75-75---230) shot 75 for the second straight day, just one stroke behind Gilmore on Tuesday. Aidan Gutierrez (76-82-75---233) finished fourth for the Cardinals, also firing 75 in the final round. Gutierrez fired eagle on the third hole Tuesday, a day after he recorded an eagle on the fifth hole in Monday's first round. Gutierrez finished as one of just three golfers to register two eagles in the tournament.
Senior Carter Smith (86-84-80) finished his best round of the tournament on Tuesday. Smith and the rest of the Cardinals return to Indiana this week, prior to competing in this weekend's Hoosier Collegiate Invitational.
Starting on the 10th hole to begin round three at the par-72 course at Pete Dye Golf Club, Gilmore (77-71-74---222) birdied his first hole to go under par, but bogeyed the 11th to stay even. He stayed within a stroke of par through 13 holes when he was 1-over, then he shot birdie again on the par-5 eighth hole to sit even again. The double bogey on the par-4 ninth was the only time in his final two rounds that Gilmore's scorecard reached two over par.
The sophomore was Ball State's best golfer over the last two rounds, staying just four strokes ahead of talented freshman Samuel Harris (73-72-77---222). The teammates were tied after 54 holes.
Fellow freshman Luke Johnston (80-75-75---230) shot 75 for the second straight day, just one stroke behind Gilmore on Tuesday. Aidan Gutierrez (76-82-75---233) finished fourth for the Cardinals, also firing 75 in the final round. Gutierrez fired eagle on the third hole Tuesday, a day after he recorded an eagle on the fifth hole in Monday's first round. Gutierrez finished as one of just three golfers to register two eagles in the tournament.
Senior Carter Smith (86-84-80) finished his best round of the tournament on Tuesday. Smith and the rest of the Cardinals return to Indiana this week, prior to competing in this weekend's Hoosier Collegiate Invitational.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
Sports Link // Cardinal Conversations with Carter Smith & Jeff Mitchell
Tuesday, March 17
Heart of the Cardinal Podcast // Guests: Mike Fleck and Alauna Simms
Monday, December 15
Heart of the Cardinal Podcast // Mike Fleck on Program Approach
Saturday, December 13
Sports Link: International Student Athlete Day
Monday, November 17