The Dawg Squad Finishes 4th at State, Jordan Finishes 3rd
- RoMoAthletics
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
May 20th, 2026
The Rolla Bulldog Golf Team left on Sunday to make their way to Columbia for the State Golf Tournament ready to compete the following day for the State Title. The Missouri spring weather had other plans.
A rainy Monday caused several delays before the decision was made to cancel the day and move it to a single day event and start on Tuesday. The change in format resulted in a shotgun start at 10am under a constant drizzle.
The Dawg Father, Coach Zack Nixon, said concerns of the weather didn’t impact the play. “The course was in great shape considering the amount of rain it received. “Everyone was disheartened it wasn’t a two day event, but we’re glad we were able to get it in.”
While the conditions to compete for a State Title were not ideal, the Bulldogs battled and made a second half surge at the Columbia Country Club to finish 4th at State. The Dawg Squad were led by their 4 time state qualifier and Missouri Western commit, Chancen Jordan who finished the day with an even par 71 placing him in 3rd place at the meet.
What makes the advancing of the team to State even more impressive is when you consider that 4 of the top 5 performers at the State tournament came from District 3. The powerhouse Poplar Bluff Mules who shot a blazing 294 to win the State Title with two players shooting under par for 1st and 2nd in individual medals. Carl Junction, who ended up 3rd in the district, had enough players make it individually to finish 7th at the state meet.
Chancen Jordan Honors the Jordan Legacy
Chancen Jordan shot a 2 under par on the back 9 to finish in 3rd place giving him his first All-State performance at the State meet. Jordan’s goal was to win State and with the single day format, came so close. Coach Nixon said that Chancen lighting up the back nine was a highlight of the day. “What an exclamation point to the end of an amazing high school career.”
With his 3rd Place finish, Chancen joins a select group of golfers to get a top 4 finish at State. In recent history, that has been dominated by the Jordan family. Chancen’s uncle, Channy Jordan won State in 2023 as a junior after a 4th place finish his sophomore year and a 3rd place finish his senior year. Channy is now at Missouri State.
Last year, Chancen’s older brother, Chayton, finished 4th at State. Chayton is part of the Missouri S&T Golf program and finished with All-Conference honors this season.
Jared Jordan, Chancen and Chayton’s dad, and Channy’s brother, finished 4th in state in his final season at Rolla High School.
Managing Expectations
It’s difficult to be disappointed in a 4th place finish at the State tournament, but this group of boys were confident in their game and their ability. After the contest is complete, it is in the reflection of what has been accomplished that helps provide clarity.
The team dealt with the usual ups and downs found in a tournament and then you throw on top of this the weather and a shortened format to a single day, it was an uphill climb.
“The team prepared as well as they could have going in. They had their course management strategies, practiced endlessly, and were completely prepared. However, golf is a humbling game. We knew we had to play well in order to win the state title, and we didn't have our best yesterday,” reflected Nixon.
The boys and I were disappointed, but there was still plenty to celebrate. Early on, the Bulldogs seemed to be out of contention for a top finish in the team portion of the competition. “At one point in the day, we were in last place. We made a heck of a comeback, and Wilson chipped in on his last hole to clinch our fourth place finish by one stroke.”
“What an amazing group of young men. This is a season marked by unrivaled work ethic, vision, leadership, camaraderie, and resilience. Proud doesn't begin to describe my feelings as a coach. Go Dogs!”
Class 4 Individual Standings
1 Landon Barks, Poplar Bluff - 66
2 Corban Thomas, Poplar Bluff - 70
3 Chancen Jordan, Rolla - 71
4 Josiah Seabaugh, Cape Central - 72
5 Chaz Love, Poplar Bluff - 73
RHS Scoring
Sr. Chancen Jordan 71 - 3rd
So. Canter Bahr 79 - 27th
So. Wilson Giacomelli 81 - 45th
Jr. Dawson Caldwell 86 - 77th
Jr. Waylon Chapman 87 - 81st
Class 4 District 3 Final Team Standings
1 Poplar Bluff - 294
2 Pembroke Hill - 309
3 Webster Groves - 314
4 Rolla - 317
5 Ladue - 318
6 Platte County - 318
7 Carl Junction - 319
8 Rockwood Summit - 321
9 Smithville - 337
10 Cape Notre Dame - 344