GREENVILLE, Ala. – #3 Dalton State delivered a masterclass final round with a team total of 280 (-8) that included the men's course record at RTJ at Cambrian Ridge as the Birds captured the 2025 SSAC Men's Golf Championship in Greenville, Ala., on Thursday.
 
#3 Dalton State (Ga.) (854, -10) shot the only under-par team round to pull away from #17 William Carey (Miss.) (879, +15) in second. #24 Point (Ga.) (890, +26) came from behind to nip #18 Faulkner (Ala.) at 891 (+27). UT Southern (Tenn.) (895, +31) overtook #25 Blue Mountain (Miss.) for fifth.

RECAP
ROUND 1
The opening round saw Barrett Loftis set the pace with an impressive 67 (-5), showcasing precision and control across the course. Loftis capitalized on several scoring opportunities, staying steady through the round to claim the lead.
 
Jack Whaley followed closely behind with an even-par 72 (E), delivering a consistent performance that kept him in strong contention. Ben McFadden finished at 73 (+1), navigating a competitive round while remaining within reach of the top spots.
 
Tyler Latimer recorded a 76 (+4), facing some challenges but maintaining solid play throughout his round. Joe Getley rounded out the group with an 83 (+11), working through the tough conditions while gaining valuable experience for the upcoming rounds.
 
ROUND 2
Ben McFadden led the team with an impressive round, finishing 3-under-par (69). He maintained steady play with consistent front and back nine scores of 34 and 35, respectively. His highlights included an eagle on No. 7 and a birdie on No. 9, demonstrating a keen ability to capitalize on key opportunities.
 
Joe Getley followed closely, recording a solid 2-under-par (70). His performance mirrored McFadden's in consistency, with 35 on both the front and back nine. Birdies on Nos. 7 and 9 also stood out in his round.
 
Barrett Loftis delivered an even-par performance (72), starting strong with a standout 33 on the front nine. Despite a tougher back nine at 39, Loftis maintained his composure, marked by birdies on holes 6 and 8.
 
Tyler Latimer battled through to finish 3-over-par (75). His round included a 37 on the front nine and 38 on the back nine. Despite the challenges, Latimer showed resilience, punctuated by an eagle on No. 7 and birdies on Nos. 12 and 16.
 
Jack Whaley rounded out the lineup with a 6-over-par (78). Scoring 37 on the front nine and 41 on the back, Whaley had one birdie on the day, coming at No. 7.
 
ROUND 3
Jack Whaley delivered a phenomenal performance, carding an impressive 10-under-par 62 to lead Dalton State. His round included consistent precision and poise, with a front-nine and back-nine score of 31 each. Highlights included a series of clutch birdies that secured his position as the standout performer of the day.
 
Barrett Loftis posted a solid 2-under-par 70, showcasing his resilience across the course. His front-nine score of 34 was backed by a steady back nine of 36, featuring smart course management and composure under pressure.
 
Joe Getley contributed a steady 1-under-par 71. His front nine saw a 35, and he maintained focus through the back nine with a 36, rounding out a balanced performance.
 
Tyler Latimer faced challenges during the round, finishing with a 5-over-par 77. Despite the difficulties on the back nine, Tyler exhibited determination, concluding his round with an outward score of 36.
 
Ben McFadden closed out the lineup with a 6-over-par 78. His round reflected moments of grit and effort, as he worked to navigate the course and post a score of 36 on the front nine.
 
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Whaley's 62 set the men's course record at RTJ at Cambrian Ridge and is a new SSAC record for lowest round in conference championship history. Two Roadrunners now hold the course record in Greenville as Rylie Kosney posted a final round 66 (-6) in the 2023 SSAC Women's Golf Championship to set the women's course record.
 
FINAL STANDINGS
2. Barrett Loftis 67-72-70 – 209 (-7)
3. Jack Whaley 72-78-62 – 212 (-4)
11. Ben McFadden 73-69-78 – 220 (+4)
17. Joe Getley 83-70-71 – 224 (+8)
24. Tyler Latimer 76-75-77 – 228 (+12)
 
UP NEXT
#3-ranked Dalton State now sets their sights on defending a national championship as they prepare to play in the 2025 NAIA Men's Golf Championship on May 20-23 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.
 
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