Kennesaw State Golf Heads to Johnnie-O at Sea Island Tournament

The Owls look to build on last season's success as they compete against ranked opponents

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Kennesaw State men's golf team is set to compete in the Johnnie-O at Sea Island tournament on March 9-10. The two-day event will consist of 36 holes on Monday and 18 holes on Tuesday, with the Owls facing off against 14 other teams including several ranked opponents.

Why it matters

This tournament provides an early-season test for Kennesaw State as they look to build on their success from last season, when they were ranked No. 67 nationally and finished third at the Conference USA Championship. Facing off against ranked teams will give the Owls a chance to measure themselves against some of the top programs in the country.

The details

Kennesaw State's lineup for the tournament includes Shaun Cook, Hunter Gillard, Kyle Bachkosky, Reed Sweigart, and Walker Gantt, with Ryne Nicholson competing as an individual. The team is looking to improve upon their sixth-place finish at the Palmas Del Mar Collegiate in Puerto Rico last month.

  • The tournament will be held on March 9-10, 2026.
  • Kennesaw State recorded 76 rounds at par or better during the 2024–25 season.

The players

Kennesaw State men's golf team

The Kennesaw State men's golf team is looking to build on their successful 2024-25 season, when they were ranked No. 67 nationally and finished third at the Conference USA Championship.

Luca Gallingani

Luca Gallingani, the Conference USA Freshman of the Year, returns to the Kennesaw State lineup.

Shaun Cook

Shaun Cook, a second-team All-Conference selection, is part of the Kennesaw State lineup.

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What’s next

Following the Johnnie-O at Sea Island, Kennesaw State will co-host the Linger Longer Invitational with Mercer at Great Waters Golf Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee from March 20-22.

The takeaway

Kennesaw State's men's golf team is poised for another strong season, with a talented roster that includes returning award winners and promising newcomers. This early-season tournament at Sea Island will provide a valuable test as the Owls look to build on their success from last year and establish themselves as one of the top programs in the country.