**BREMERTON, Wash. – A Season Filled with Promises and Heartbreaks**
In an electrifying finish, the **Kansas State men’s golf team** concluded their season on a bittersweet note at the **2025 NCAA Bremerton Regional**. Despite a valiant effort, the Wildcats recorded a final-round score of **3-under par 285**, landing them in **seventh place** at the par-72, 7,167-yard Olympic Course at Gold Mountain Golf Club.
### A Narrow Miss for NCAA Glory
With a cumulative score of **3-over par 867** over 54 holes, K-State fell just **three shots shy** of clinching the fifth and final qualifying spot for the **2025 NCAA Championship**. It’s a heartbreak reminiscent of their near-miss two years ago at the **2023 NCAA Bath (Mich.) Regional**, where they also ended their journey just three strokes away from history.
**“I am really proud of our guys,”** said head coach **[Grant Robbins](https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/coaches/grant-robbins/2583)**. **“They competed and gave it everything they had.”** His pride is palpable, even in the face of disappointment, as he reflected on the team’s resilience despite early nerves. **“It really stings to come up three shots short because I wanted it for our seniors.”**
### Stars of the Final Round
#### **Cooper Schultz Rises to the Occasion**
Leading the Wildcats was senior **[Cooper Schultz](https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/cooper-schultz/12223)**, who tied for **16th place** after finishing **1-under par 215**—his best 54-hole score in any regional. A native of Andover, Kansas, Cooper leaves the program as a standout with a scoring average of **71.99**, ranking second in K-State history.
#### **Freshman Sensation: Erik Sabelström Holmberg**
Not to be overshadowed, rookie sensation **Erik Sabelström Holmberg** shone brightly with a **2-under par 70**, marking his second-best round of the season. The emerging talent from **Stockholm, Sweden**, clawed back 12 spots to finish **51st** at **8-over par 224**.
#### **Nicklaus Mason’s Memorable Send-Off**
Senior **[Nicklaus Mason](https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/nicklaus-mason/12219)** also left his mark with a round of **1-under par 70**, highlighted by a stunning eagle on the par-5 6th hole. This Kansas native wrapped up his collegiate career ranked fourth in school history with a scoring average of **72.30**.
#### **Kobe Valociek’s Historic Hole-in-One**
**[Kobe Valociek](https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/kobe-valociek/12228)** didn’t go quietly, finishing with an **even-par 72** that included a sensational hole-in-one on the **188-yard 16th hole**, his seventh hole of the day. Valociek tied for **21st place** with a score of **1-over par 217**.
#### **Ian McCrary’s Strong Finish**
Joining the ranks of standout seniors, **[Ian McCrary](https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-golf/roster/ian-mccrary/12220)**, also finished with an **even-par 72**, showcasing four birdies throughout his final collegiate round. McCrary placed **33rd** at **4-over par 220** after a two-spot improvement during the final round.
### The Road Ahead
Florida triumphed in the regional with a dominant score of **28-under par 836**, just holding off Arizona State, which finished three strokes back. Meanwhile, Braxton Watts from Utah took home individual medalist honors with a three-round score of **12-under par 204**, qualifying for the NCAA Championship.
### Reflecting on the Journey
**Kansas State’s** golf season may have ended without the NCAA Championship dream, but the foundation laid by these young athletes, guided by an inspiring coaching staff, suggests that brighter days are just around the corner. Looking ahead, the Wildcats promise to return stronger, hungry for future glory.
Stay tuned as this team aims to build upon its accomplishments and come back even more formidable in the upcoming seasons!
