Blue Mountain Christian Men’s Golf Ends Season at NAIA Championship, Riddle Advances Individually
The No. 12 Blue Mountain Christian men’s golf team saw its 2025-26 season end Wednesday at the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship at TPC at Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. The team missed the cut after two rounds of play, but sophomore Cobey Riddle will continue competing individually after finishing the first two rounds tied for fourth overall.
Riddle posted a 70 in the opening round Tuesday and followed with a 71 in the second round, sitting at three-under par through two rounds. Playing on the par-70 course, he gained momentum late in his second round by playing holes 15 through 17 at one-under par. Riddle remains well within reach of the lead heading into the third round.
Despite the team’s season ending, the appearance at nationals marked one of the most successful years in Blue Mountain Christian men’s golf history. The team was ranked inside the NAIA Top 15 throughout the season and reached as high as No. 4 in the first NAIA rating release. The Toppers began their year with a victory at the Coastal Georgia Fall Invitational, with Riddle earning individual medalist honors.
Junior Alex Nordstrom also had a standout season, finishing just one tournament outside the top 10 during the regular season. He remains ranked inside the top 15 nationally on Clippd, while Riddle is among the top 25. Freshman Simon Meiby made a strong debut, highlighted by a top-six finish, and Acen Lambert and Damil Ataullah contributed multiple top-15 and top-25 finishes, respectively.
Head coach Kevin Barefield praised the team’s growth and effort. “This team changed the standard for our program,” he said. “From the first event in the fall until nationals, they competed with confidence and represented Blue Mountain Christian the right way. I’m proud of every player because each one played a major role in this successful season. Cobey’s individual progress is special, and it reflects the hard work of the entire team.”
Riddle continues competing in the third round of the NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship on Thursday in Silvis, Illinois.
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