April 29, 2026
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Rocky Mountain (Mont.) closed out a dominant three-day performance Wednesday by capturing the 2026 Frontier Conference Men’s Golf Championship at Papago Golf Club, finishing with a team total of 874 (+10) to secure the conference crown. It was the second straight year that the Battlin’ Bears had secured a conference team title.
Rocky Mountain entered the final round with a 23-shot advantage and never relinquished control, holding off Bellevue for the title. Bellevue finished runner-up at 896 (+32), while Mayville State placed third at 929 (+65). Dickinson State rounded out the top four with a 932 (+68).
The Battlin’ Bears also claimed individual medalist honors as Kristjan Burkelca won the conference title with a three-round score of 212 (-4). Burkelca had surged into the lead after Tuesday’s second round with a tournament-best 65 and held steady in the final round to finish as the only golfer under par for the championship.
Rocky Mountain showcased its depth throughout the tournament, placing multiple golfers near the top of the leaderboard after leading wire-to-wire. Sam Norman finished at 1-under-par to place second, while his teammate Aian McDonagh placed fourth after shooting 6-over-par in three rounds.
Bellevue’s strong showing earned the Bruins a second-place finish after staying within striking distance most of the week, highlighted by Thomas Gatlin with 5-over-par for a third place finish. Mayville State climbed to third overall with Satchel Tickel finishing in a tie for fourth place with McDonagh, while Dickinson State used a strong final round of 305 to secure fourth place.
The Frontier Conference Championship concludes the league season, with top performers now turning their attention toward the upcoming NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship, scheduled for May 12-15 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., where the Battlin’ Bears will represent the Frontier Conference as the automatic bid.
Team Standings
- Rocky Mountain – 874 (+10)
- Bellevue – 896 (+32)
- Mayville State – 929 (+65)
- Dickinson State – 932 (+68)
- Montana Tech – 945 (+81)
- Carroll - 954 (+90)
- Valley City State – 965 (+111)
- Providence – 973 (+119)
Men's Awards
Player of the Year: Kristjan Burkelca, Rocky Mountain
Rookie of the Year: Sam Norman, Rocky Mountain
Pepsi Coach of the Year: Nathan Bailey, Rocky Mountain
All-Conference:
Kristjan Burkelca, Rocky Mountain
Sam Norman, Rocky Mountain
Aidan McDonagh, Rocky Mountain
Thomas Gatlin, Bellevue
Satchel Tickel, Mayville State
Dylan Rodgers, Bellevue