WACO, Texas – As the wind and temperatures soared during the final 10 holes of the Waco River Classic at Bear Ridge Golf Club on Tuesday, so did the scores.
The Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team had a 12-stroke lead over the field in Tuesday’s final round after eight holes on Tuesday and that that margin dwindle to two strokes.
Key late birdies from Charlie Rusbridge and Grant Hatzenbuehler helped the top-ranked Blue Dragons regain control to win the team championship. The Blue Dragons shot a season-high 296 on Tuesday, but held on for a seven-stroke team victory over Midland and nine strokes over McLennan to finish at 12-under 852.
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In addition to the Blue Dragons winning their second-straight team championship to open the 2026-27 fall season, Rusbridge won his second-straight individual title at 9-under 205, winning by three strokes over McLennan’s Jaxon Graves.
After an eagle by Rusbridge and birdies by Hatzenbuehler and Hugo Duquaine on the eighth hole, the Blue Dragons were in great shape with a 12-shot lead over Midland. The final 10 holes were a struggle. The high winds and temperatures that climbed to nearly 100 degrees after starting the round at 81 degrees, changed the scoring conditions for all teams.
The Dragons were 13-over par for the final 10 holes, getting only three birdies over that span. Midland climbed within two strokes after 16 holes, but were 7-over par on Nos. 17 and 18 to fall off the pace, while Rusbridge and Hatzenbuehler had key birdies in the final holes to aid the Blue Dragons.
Rusbridge shot his sixth-straight round under par, finishing Tuesday with a 2-under 70. He had an eagle, two birdies and two bogeys in the final round. He finished at 205.
Four Blue Dragons placed players in the Top 12.
Hatzenbuehler and Duquaine both tied for fifth. Hatzenbuehler shot his third-straight round of 71 to finish at 3-under 223. Duquaine, who led the tournament after two round, finished at 6-over 78 and also closed at 3-under 223.
Individual player Grant Labuschagne tied for 12th at even-par 216. He shot a final-round 74 on Tuesday.
Freshman Harry Richmond closed with a 77 and tied for 22nd at 4-over 220. Matt Vearncombe shot a 79 on Tuesday and tied for 33rd at 223. Freshman individual player Lincoln Barnes tied for 68th at 233 after a final-round 80.
The Blue Dragons play their third fall tournament next Monday and Tuesday at the Skip Wagnon Invitational in Edmond, OK.
