TUCSON, Ariz. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team used a late charge on the final day of the 2026 Mountain West Championship to nearly pull off a historic comeback. Entering the final day eight shots back in fifth place, the Lobos shot 20-under during the third round at OMNI Tucson National to finish 3-under, falling in a playoff to UNLV.
UNLV and New Mexico’s 825 totals are the third lowest in the history of the tournament. The Rebels won the title by winning a one-hole playoff. San Diego State was third at 35-under, while Grand Canyon (31-under) and Wyoming (30-under) rounded out the top five.
Wyatt Provence helped lead the comeback, shooting a 7-under 65, highlighted by six birdies on the back nine. He finished T-8th on the individual leaderboard with a 9-under total. UNM’s top individual finisher was Johnnie Clark, who was T-4th at 12-under after his second straight 6-under 66. Thayer Plewe was the third Lobo in the top 10, finishing T-8th at 9-under after shooting a 5-under 67 in the final round. Emil Albers shot a 2-under 70 on Tuesday to finish T-12th at 8-under. Clark Sonnenberg rounded out the lineup at even par.
“I am really proud of how the guys competed today,” said head coach Jake Harrington. “To shoot 20-under par, that took a lot from everyone. It says a lot about the depth of our team to have four guys in top 12. Those last two rounds, after being in seventh after day one, with our No. 1 player on the bench, to get it to a playoff is impressive. It proves what we always say, that we are truly six deep and anyone on this team can lead us in any round. “
The Lobos will await the NCAA Selection Show to find out their regional location. The show will air Wednesday (May 6) on Golf Channel at noon MT.
Lobos’ Epic Comeback Falls Short in Playoff at MW Championship
