A Strong College Finish

This spring, Bårds last semester as a college golfer at Texas Tech, his golfing journey has been nothing short of eventful, marked by both triumphs and challenges. The season began with a strong performance in the first stage of the US Open qualifying round in Amarillo, where Bård played a remarkable round of -7. His impressive effort secured him second place, allowing him to advance to the final qualifying stage.

As the season progressed, Bård’s dedication to the sport shone through at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional. After two solid days of play, he delivered an outstanding final round, shooting -6, with a particularly strong back nine at -5. This stellar performance led him to victory, finishing the tournament at -8 and winning by two strokes. His win not only brought him personal glory but also helped secure Texas Tech a third-place finish, earning them a spot at Nationals.

The final stage of the US Open qualifying round took place in Dallas, where Bård competed alongside familiar players, including Carl Didrik and Callum Scott. Despite a valiant effort, the competition was fierce, and Bård found himself at +2 after 31 holes. Realizing he wouldn’t make the cut at -4, he made the strategic decision to conserve his energy for Nationals, which were just days away.

Nationals, held at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in California, was the pinnacle event of the season for college golfers across the United States. Bård teed off in the afternoon, facing a challenging course and tough competition. After struggling in the first two rounds, with scores of +2 and +7, he found his rhythm in the third round, shooting -3. Despite his best efforts, Texas Tech narrowly missed the cut, bringing an end to their Nationals run.

This marked the conclusion of Bård’s college golf career, a bittersweet moment as he walked the final hole with fellow Norwegian Herman Wibe Sekne. Reflecting on the journey, Bård expressed a mix of emotions—disappointment over the team’s early exit from nationals and the poignant realization that his time as a Texas Tech golfer had come to an end. The camaraderie and experiences shared over the past four years had left an indelible mark, making the farewell all the more significant.

This spring was a testament to Bård’s resilience, growth, and passion for golf, setting the stage for the next chapter in his promising career. His achievement of becoming the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional Champion stands out as a particularly impressive milestone, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication. This victory not only secured a spot for Texas Tech at Nationals but also marked a triumphant and successful conclusion to his college life. As he now steps into the professional realm, Bård leaves behind a legacy of hard work and perseverance—an inspiring end to an unforgettable college journey.

His amateur career ended on a high note with a solid 40th place finish at the European Amateur Championship in Denmark, where he closed with a birdie on the final hole. Now, with his amateur days behind him, Bård is poised to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the professional golfing world.