Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech’s Oskari Schuvalow holed his 138-yard second shot for an eagle on the par-4 18th hole to win a playoff and capture the individual title Tuesday at the Argent Financial Classic at Squire Creek Country Club.
The dramatic finish capped a strong three days for Schuvalow and helped the Bulldogs finish third in the 14-team field at their home tournament.
Schuvalow finished the 54-hole event at 10-under-par 206, becoming the first Louisiana Tech golfer to win the Argent Financial Classic since Sam Murphy captured the title in 2021.
After finishing regulation tied for the lead, Schuvalow returned to No. 18 for the playoff. His approach from 138 yards found the bottom of the cup, ending the playoff without Schuvalow ever needing to pull out his putter.
“Very proud of the third-place team finish,” Louisiana Tech coach Keenan Hickton said. “I am thrilled for Oskari. He is one of the best putters I’ve ever coached. But when it mattered most, he did not even need the putter for the playoff hole.”
Schuvalow fired a final-round 68, going bogey-free while recording four birdies and two eagles. He made birdies at Nos. 1 and 5 before eagling the par-5 ninth to make the turn at 4 under for the round. He added back-to-back birdies at Nos. 12 and 13 on the back nine.
“He drove the ball so well all tournament, setting up his putts,” Hickton said. “I am happy for his accomplishment and happy the team earned some confidence in our strong finish.”
Louisiana Tech finished third at 13 under, trailing tournament champion Troy at 18 under and runner-up North Texas at 15 under.
Morton Bailey gave the Bulldogs a second top-10 finisher, tying for ninth at 4-under 212. Bailey shot a final-round 73, closing with consecutive birdies at Nos. 17 and 18. He recorded 13 birdies during the tournament.
Reda El Hali tied for 23rd at even-par 216 after shooting a 1-under 71 Tuesday. He made three straight birdies at Nos. 13, 14 and 15. Abel Derksen also carded a final-round 71 to finish at 2-over 218, while Aidan Tudor shot a 73 and finished at 7-over 223.
Louisiana Tech’s B team finished 13th at 32-over 896. Gray Kingrea provided the low round of the day for the group with a 2-under 70, moving up 16 spots on the leaderboard to finish tied for 34th at 4-over 220.
“Credit to Troy and North Texas — they are well-established golf programs and their teams played great golf this week,” Hickton said.
Louisiana Tech returns to action Sunday through Tuesday at the Trinity Forest Invitational in Dallas.
