After a disappointing end to last season, the No. 4 Vanderbilt Men’s Golf team began its 2024-25 campaign in Toledo, Ohio, at Donald Ross’s famed Inverness Club. After 36 holes on Monday and 18 on Tuesday, the Commodores finished +3 overall, five strokes off of winner Virginia.

Wells Williams, Gordon Sargent, Jackson Van Paris, Ryan Downes and John Broderick started for the Commodores this week. Rowan Sullivan also made his Vanderbilt debut, playing in the event as an individual golfer.

The Commodores shot a 279 collective total in round one to sit at 3-over on the par-69 setup. Van Paris led the way, shooting a 3-under 66 with four birdies to place himself in a tie for third on the individual leaderboard. Broderick followed with an even-par 69, keeping the team afloat through 18 holes.

Sargent, the No. 2 ranked amateur in the world, struggled on the opening day as he shot a 3-over 72. Downes and Williams did not fare better, both shooting 72s as well.

The Commodores began the second round in fourth place, and they were in need of a good round if they wanted to propel themselves into the lead. They were unable to do so, shooting a 5-over 281 to finish the day tied for fifth with the SMU Mustangs. 

Broderick continued his strong play, shooting a 1-under 68 to place him in a tie for eighth place after cashing in three birdies on his last 11 holes. Van Paris also found himself in the top 10, carding a 1-over 70 to sit tied for fourth place with 18 holes remaining. 

“It was fun getting back out there today and starting this new climb,” head coach Scott Limbaugh said. “We have some new guys, and it’s great seeing them get to do what they’ve been dreaming of doing for a while. John [Broderick] did a great job all day long, and I’m super proud of him and the way he played with joy, toughness and discipline. [Jackson Van Paris] was steady all day long and obviously played a great first round.”

Williams’ 70 was a two-stroke improvement over his morning score, but he was still far back from the round’s individual leader. Sargent and Downes continued to flounder, shooting 73 and 74, respectively. 

After shooting a 7-over 76 in the morning, Sullivan came in with a 1-under 68 to complete his second round.

“It’s the first day of the year and we certainly weren’t our best, but I saw a lot of fight out there as we battled until the very end,” Limbaugh said. “Tomorrow is a new opportunity. We need to be excited about going out there and competing to our standards. We can be a little better than we were today, and that is the goal.”

This mindset provided a spark for the Commodores, as they shot a collective 5-under 271 on Tuesday to jump two spots up the leaderboard and finish the tournament tied for third place with Oklahoma at 3-over.

They ended only one shot back of the No. 1 Auburn Tigers, who finished at 2-over, but it was the No. 6 Virginia Cavaliers who ran away with the 2024 Inverness Intercollegiate title. 

Vanderbilt’s final round was a fantastic team effort, as four starters finished under-par. Van Paris continued his excellence with a 1-under 68. He made five birdies to finish in sixth place individually, marking his sixth career top-10 finish. Broderick matched Van Paris with a 68 of his own, finishing the week tied for seventh overall.

“I am so proud of our guys today,” Limbaugh said. “We wanted to play our best round of the tournament and play with some soul. Days like this help shape your identity and truly build your competitive character. Jackson [Van Paris] and John [Broderick] were solid all week long, and both looked strong out there. John [Broderick] earned his opportunity to compete this week and did a great job stepping up for the team.”

Williams also shot a 1-under 68, but it was Sargent who overcame a disappointing Monday and shot a 2-under 67 in the final round. Downes’ Vanderbilt debut culminated in a a 1-over 70 performance, and Sullivan finished with a round of even-par 69 to end his week as an individual.

“I thought what Gordon [Sargent] did today said a lot about the type of character he has. That’s leadership,” said Limbaugh. “Wells [Williams] is doing a lot of great things, and I am happy with how he battled after a slow start yesterday. Ryan and Rowan both did a lot of good things, and we know they can both help us.”

Limbaugh and Co. were unable to capitalize in their season opener, but they still showcased why they are considered one of the most talented teams in the nation.

“The journey is long, but the days are short, and you have to enjoy it,” Limbaugh said. “We did some things really well this week, and we have a lot to improve on, which will be the challenge. We have to fall forward together while learning to own our actions.”

The Commodores will play next at the Valero Texas Collegiate from Sept. 21-23 in San Antonio, Texas, where they’ll look to defend their title.