Bulldogs Reload on the Links: Rolla Golf Ready for Another Run
- RoMoAthletics
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
March 20th, 2026
The Rolla Bulldogs golf program has built something special over the last several years. When you look at the results, it’s easy to see why expectations continue to rise.
Over the previous three seasons, the Bulldogs have finished third in the state in 2022 and runner-up in both 2023 and 2024, establishing the most successful stretch in program history. That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from a combination of talent, culture, and a commitment to the game that stretches far beyond the spring season.
As Coach Zack Nixon joined me on the latest episode of Inside the Huddle, one thing was clear: this program isn’t rebuilding — it’s reloading.
Learning from Last Season
Last year brought a unique challenge for the Bulldogs as they moved up into Class 5, competing against some of the strongest programs in the state.
At districts in St. Louis, Rolla tied eventual state champion SLUH for 2nd in team scoring. Only the top two teams would advance to the State playoffs. But the tiebreaker rules forced a five-man playoff between the two teams — in front of a large home crowd cheering for the St. Louis squad.
It was a heartbreaking result.
The Bulldogs fell in the playoff and were only able to send three golfers to the state tournament. Yet even there, Rolla continued to show its strength. Senior standout Chayton Jordan delivered one of the most impressive rounds in state history, firing a six-under round on the second day, setting a state tournament record for that round and finishing fourth overall.
For Coach Nixon and the team, the moment still sticks with them.
But sometimes the best motivation for a new season comes from unfinished business.
Culture That Extends Beyond Graduation
One of the most impressive aspects of the Rolla golf program isn’t just the scores — it’s the culture that has been built around the team.
That culture was on display recently during practice. Former Bulldog standout Chayton Jordan, now playing collegiately at Missouri S&T, showed up during a team putting drill.
When he noticed one player didn’t have a partner, he immediately stepped in.
“You’re playing with me,” he told the player.
It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes about the program. Even after graduation, former Bulldogs still feel connected to the team and the culture that helped build their success.
That connection gives the younger players something powerful to aim for.
A New Leader Steps Forward
With the graduation of several seniors, including Jordan, leadership naturally shifts within the team.
This year that role falls to senior Chancen Jordan (Chayton's younger brother), who has already signed to continue his career at Missouri Western State University.
Jordan brings plenty of experience to the course as a three-time state qualifier, but according to Coach Nixon, his leadership style is a little different.
He’s quieter.
“He leads more by example,” Nixon said. “He’s a little more subdued, but when he speaks, the guys listen.”
And the results speak for themselves. Early in the season, Jordan has already posted an impressive scoring average for nine holes hovering just above par — an impressive mark considering the cold and windy early-season conditions.
The Core of the Lineup
While Jordan leads the team, he won’t be carrying the load alone.
The Bulldogs return a strong core that includes:
Dawson Caldwell – Junior
Canter Bahr – Sophomore and a state qualifier as a freshman
Wilson Giacomelli – Sophomore who has dramatically lowered his scoring average
Trenton Fitzsimmons – Junior battling for a varsity spot
Waylon Chapman – Junior competing for the final varsity position
Competition for those final spots is exactly what Coach Nixon wants to see.
Internal competition creates growth — and it raises the level of the entire team.
A New Generation Coming Up
Another encouraging sign for the program is the number of younger players joining the team.
The Bulldogs have 13 players this season, including a large freshman class. That depth helps ensure the program’s success continues well into the future.
Players like Zach Pulliam, Preston Shenefield, and Ryder Kiersz are already putting in the work to develop their games and learn from the veterans ahead of them.
Coach Nixon encourages the younger players to watch the top group closely.
“They need to watch what those top five or six guys do,” Nixon said. “That’s how we keep the program moving forward.”
A Community Boost for the Program
Another advantage for this year’s team has come from a new local business that is helping golfers stay sharp year-round.
The Back Nine, a golf simulator facility in Rolla, has opened its doors to the Bulldogs, giving them valuable winter practice time.
Many of the players already spend time there, working on their swings and preparing for the season long before practice officially begins.
That extra preparation is already showing up in early scoring.
The Key to Lower Scores
If the Bulldogs want to make another deep postseason run, Coach Nixon believes the difference will come from precision around the greens.
The focus this year is dialing in wedge distances — 40, 60, 80, and 100 yards.
If players can consistently put those shots close to the pin, the birdie opportunities will follow.
“When we get deadly with those wedges,” Nixon explained, “that’s when we’ll see the scores really drop.”
The Season Begins
The Bulldogs officially open their season this week with a quad match at Waynesville (March 20th), a familiar early-season stop for the program.
From there, the team will compete in several tournaments throughout the region, including the MSU Relays at Payne Stewart Golf Course in Springfield, which always features a strong field of teams.
It will also give the Bulldogs a chance to measure themselves against some of the programs they may face later in the postseason.
And if history is any indication, Rolla will be right in the mix.
Built to Compete
One thing Coach Nixon knows about his team: they aren’t intimidated by the competition.
Whether it’s private schools from larger metro areas or powerhouse programs from around the state, the Bulldogs are confident in the culture they’ve built.
And the players have embraced that challenge.
“We’ve got something to prove,” Nixon said.
With a strong returning core, a new leader stepping forward, and a deep group of young players eager to make their mark, the Rolla Bulldogs appear ready for another exciting season on the links.
And if everything comes together the way this team believes it can, don’t be surprised if the Bulldogs are once again playing deep into the postseason.
Listen to the full conversation with Coach Zack Nixon on Episode 69 of Inside the Huddle, available now through Romo Athletics.
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This article was generated using A.I. based upon the transcript from the Inside the Huddle interview with Coach Nixon.
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