Browns Summit, NC - The La Salle men's golf team opened its 2026-27 season Sunday at the Bryan National Collegiate, finishing ninth at 11-over (875) at Bryan Park Golf Course.

Junior Payton Hawke led the Explorers, tying for 33rd at 3-over. Hawke opened with a 4-under 68, the lowest 18-hole round by an Explorer since 2024. His opening round featured an eagle on the par-five 15th and just one bogey.

Billy Pabst turned in a strong La Salle debut, tying for 25th at 1-over. Pabst finished first in the field in par-three scoring at 2-under and recorded ten birdies, while avoiding a double bogey or worse throughout the tournament.

Gavin Dosch and Kyle Virsik each tied for 42nd at 5-over. Dosch recorded nine birdies, while Virsik added eight. Competing individually, Jack Ross finished tied for 59th at 9-over and Alex Yong tied for 62nd at 10-over. Yong also recorded an eagle during the tournament. 

Logan Paczewski rounded out the Explorers' efforts, finishing in a tie for 79th at 17-over.

As a team, the Explorers finished third in par-three scoring at 3.07 (+4) and recorded the fifth-fewest double bogeys or worse in the field with just eight.

The Explorers return to action September 21-22 at the Temple Invitational at The 1912 Club in Philadelphia.