Oklahoma City University golfer Clark Collier showed no sign of being nervous as he approached the final hole trailing by one stroke at the Midwestern State Invitational.
Collier, a sophomore from Edmond, Okla., made birdie to force a playoff, then defeated teammate Michael Palmer on the first hole to win the first individual tournament title of his career. Collier is this week’s Super Star of the Week for his efforts.
“I got to the 18th hole, and my coach told me I was one back of Palmer and needed a birdie to tie him,” Collier said. “I hit a pretty good shot to within an inch so I didn’t have to make a pressure putt. I was able to tap it in and get into a playoff and kind of snuck away with the win in the playoff.”
Collier is off to a strong start in his second year with the OCU golf team. Collier has placed in the top 20 of all four events this spring, including the win at the Midwestern State Invitational and a runner-up performance at the Texas Intercollegiate March 14-15. He credits his improved ball-striking for the recent success.
“I have always had a pretty good short game,” Collier said. “When I start hitting the ball well like I have lately I can get some good scores going. My short game has bailed me out in the past so now that I am hitting the ball well I can put some good scores up.”
The Stars, ranked No. 1 in NAIA men’s golf, travel to the Wichita State Shocker Classic April 5-6.
To see a video interview with Collier, click here.