Ong Sparks Dominant Start as Buckeyes Take Commanding Lead After Opening Round of NCAA Regionals With Impressive Team Play

It didn’t take long for the Ohio State Buckeyes to make their presence felt in the NCAA Men’s Golf Regional, and leading the way was senior standout Maxwell Ong, whose sensational first round helped catapult the team to the top of the leaderboard.

Ong’s sharp ball striking, unflinching composure, and confident putting were the story of the day, as he carded a 6-under 66 to tie for the individual lead after 18 holes. But more importantly for the Buckeyes, it was the tone he set—his performance a catalyst that ignited the rest of the roster to deliver a collective effort that now has Ohio State in prime position to advance.

It’s only the opening round, and there’s still golf to be played, but the way Ohio State controlled the pace, the conditions, and themselves, it’s clear this group showed up in full understanding of the stakes. With only the top five teams from each regional advancing to the NCAA Championship, the margin for error is razor-thin. But as the Buckeyes head into Round 2, they do so not merely surviving—but leading, and doing so with purpose.

Ong, a veteran who’s seen his share of tense moments in Big Ten play and national tournaments, looked every bit like a leader in control. His front nine featured four birdies and five pars, including a gutsy up-and-down save from the sand at the par-3 6th. That momentum carried into the back nine, where he added two more birdies and navigated a couple of tricky greens without letting the round slip.

His 66 wasn’t just a personal best in NCAA postseason play—it was a reminder of what he’s capable of when he’s firing on all cylinders. And according to his coach, Jay Moseley, Ong’s mindset may have been his biggest weapon.

“Maxwell didn’t press. He didn’t chase,” Moseley said after the round. “He stayed within himself, played smart golf, and just let the round come to him. It was a clinic in patience and precision.”

But the Buckeyes’ success was hardly a one-man show.

Senior Jackson Chandler contributed a rock-solid 70 (-2), freshman standout Leo Ouyang carded a 71 (-1), and both Adam Wallin and Neal Shipley finished even-par, giving Ohio State all five players at par or better. That kind of consistency across the lineup is rare in a regional format, where pressure and nerves often take their toll early. For Ohio State to have that level of performance from top to bottom speaks volumes about the team’s preparation—and their mindset.

“We’ve talked all season about trusting each other, and trusting the process,” said Chandler. “We don’t need hero golf. We just need everyone to be who they are, and we’ll be just fine.”

That philosophy shone through clearly on Monday.

In many ways, Ong’s early birdie barrage loosened the rest of the team. His steadiness allowed his teammates to play freely, and they took full advantage, avoiding the big numbers that tend to haunt teams in high-stakes postseason play. The par-4 11th proved to be one of the most pivotal holes of the day, with all five Buckeyes managing to escape with pars or better, even as other squads faltered with doubles and bogeys.

While several other top programs entered the regional as favorites on paper, the Buckeyes played with a quiet intensity and left little doubt about who was in control after Day One. Ranked outside the top 15 nationally, Ohio State was not viewed as a sure bet to contend for the top spot—but that’s precisely what makes Monday’s performance so compelling. The Buckeyes didn’t flinch. They didn’t wait for someone else to take charge. They went out and seized it.

“We came in with a chip on our shoulder,” said Ong. “People talk about the SEC teams, the ACC powerhouses—and rightfully so—but we believe we belong in that conversation too.”

The team’s effort now gives them a five-stroke cushion over second-place North Carolina State, with Vanderbilt and Arizona State lurking close behind. Still, with two full rounds remaining, no lead is safe, and Ong knows the focus must remain sharp.

“We’ve seen how quickly things can change in this game,” he said. “But the great part is—we control our fate. If we play our game, we’re going to be right there at the end.”

One subtle, yet crucial factor that may have played into Ohio State’s strong start was their familiarity with the course conditions. The team had done a scouting trip earlier in the year to assess the layout, including green speeds, pin placements, and wind tendencies. While the course didn’t play overly long, it required precision on approach shots and discipline off the tee.

Moseley noted that his team had spent extra time in their final practices focusing on lag putting and short-sided bunker shots, anticipating the kind of challenges they’d face this week. That attention to detail was on display, as Ohio State led the field in scrambling percentage and had the fewest three-putts in Round One.

“We knew this was going to be a second-shot golf course,” Moseley said. “We told the guys—keep it in play, don’t chase pins, and pick your spots. They executed that to perfection.”

The vibe around the team after the round wasn’t one of celebration—it was one of focus. While Ong’s 66 drew headlines and deservedly so, he deflected praise and turned it back to the group effort.

“Honestly, I feed off those guys,” he said. “When I see them grinding and pulling off tough shots, it pushes me to stay locked in. It’s not about one round or one player. It’s about us.”

The Buckeyes now head into Tuesday’s second round with a clear target on their back, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. With momentum on their side and the leaderboard favoring their consistency, Ohio State has a golden opportunity to not only punch their ticket to nationals but to do so in commanding fashion.

Still, college golf is nothing if not unpredictable. A hot round from a chasing team, a bad break off the tee, or a sudden shift in weather could erase any perceived advantage. The Buckeyes know they’ll need to stay the course, avoid mental letdowns, and continue to rely on their balance and depth.

“We don’t need to do anything different,” said Wallin. “The goal is to play to our strengths. We’ve built this foundation all season—now it’s about trusting it.”

As Ong finished his post-round media duties and began his recovery routine—hydrating, reviewing yardage books, and hitting a few more putts—the sense was clear: there’s more work to be done, and this team isn’t satisfied with one good day.

“We’re not here to peak in round one,” Ong said. “We’re here to finish the job.”

Should they keep playing like this, there’s no doubt they’ll have every chance to do just that.