The ISU men’s golf team continues its weeklong road trip across America by playing in the Johnny Owens Invitational Friday and Saturday.

The Cyclones spent Monday and Tuesday competing in California and went directly from the West Coast to Kentucky, where they hope to continue their strong play.

The team finished third at the Stevinson Ranch Invitational in the last meet, with sophomore Tyler Swanson collecting the individual title.

Swanson’s win came after being in contention during two other tournaments this year.

“[The win] tells me that I’ve been there two or three times and came up short, and now this is the first time [I’ve been able to win],” Swanson said. “Now I know what it feels like [to win].”

Head coach Jay Horton was also very pleased with Swanson’s victory.

“He’s a great player and is happy with his win, but he’s hungry for more,” Horton said. “He’s one of those players who wants to win every tournament.”

The win was the first of Swanson’s collegiate career.

Both Swanson and senior Jeremy Lyons are playing impressive golf, coaches say. Lyons finished 10th at the Stevinson Ranch, his second consecutive top 10 finish.

“Jeremy is playing well,” Horton said. “He’s stepping up as a senior. A top 10 is always a good accomplishment, and we’re confident that he can continue [his strong play].”

The team as a whole may have also gotten over a hump, as they put together a strong final round. Just like their No. 1 player, the Cyclones have been in the hunt for a team title several times this year but never finished a tournament strongly.

Though the Cyclones couldn’t claim a win, they didn’t fold under pressure.

“They played well,” Horton said. “The guys are confident, and we can take some experience from what we’ve learned [for the next time we’re in that position].

“I’ve known all along that we can play with anybody, and with that showing they [now] know they can play with anyone.”

Swanson is hoping the golfers’ strong play will help build momentum into the postseason.

“Hopefully, we as a team can use this as a springboard and make it to regionals,” Swanson said.

Postseason play is just around the corner, but Horton said the regular season meets remain important to his team.

“We’re trying to win every tournament,” Horton said. “Kentucky is a strong team, and them playing on their home course [will make it difficult]. We’re hoping to put ourselves in a position to win again.”