AUSTIN, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' men's golf team was picked second and the women's golf team was projected third in the preseason American Southwest Conference Coach's Poll.
Mary Hardin-Baylor was picked to win both sides of ASC golf this season. The Cowboys were picked second and the Cowgirls finished third behind the Crusaders and UC-Santa Cruz.
Tyler Merchant and
Caden Fields were named to the players to watch list for the men.
Allison McGinnis and
Addison Payne were named to the women's players to watch list.
Both teams will open the spring season on Feb. 23 at the University of Dallas Invite at Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving.
2026 ASC Men's Golf Preseason Poll
| Rank |
Team (1st votes) |
Pts. |
2025 Championship Finish |
| 1. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor (3) |
15 |
1st |
| 2. |
Hardin-Simmons |
10 |
3rd |
| 3. |
East Texas Baptist |
8 |
4th |
| 4. |
Howard Payne (1) |
7 |
5th |
2026 ASC Golfers to Watch
| Name |
Cl. |
Team |
Hometown |
| Coleman Bales |
Fr. |
East Texas Baptist |
Prosper, TX |
| Kade Bazzell |
Fr. |
East Texas Baptist |
Heath, TX |
| Caden Fields |
Fr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
Andrews, TX |
| Cole Hermesmeyer |
Sr. |
Howard Payne |
Goldthwaite, TX |
| Lucas Latimer |
Fr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Rockwall, TX |
| Tyler Merchant* |
Sr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
Gunter, TX |
| Colton O'Dell |
Fr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Georgetown, TX |
| Kaden Potter |
Sr. |
Howard Payne |
Colorado City, TX |
2025 All-Conference *
2026 ASC Women's Golf Preseason Poll
| Rank |
Team (1st votes) |
Pts. |
2025 Championship Finish |
| 1. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor (3) |
23 |
1st |
| 2. |
UC Santa Cruz (1) |
19 |
2nd |
| 3. |
Hardin-Simmons |
14 |
5th |
| 4. |
East Texas Baptist |
10 |
3rd |
| 5. |
Howard Payne (1) |
9 |
|
2026 ASC Golfers to Watch
| Name |
Cl. |
Team |
Hometown |
| Kirsten Bridges* |
Gr. |
East Texas Baptist |
Blossom, TX |
| Madisyn Davis |
Fr. |
East Texas Baptist |
Tomball, TX |
| Emilee Garcia |
So. |
Howard Payne |
Uvalde, TX |
| Camryn Kiser* |
Jr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Seabrook, TX |
| Allison McGinnis* |
Sr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
Los Fresnos, TX |
| Addison Payne |
Fr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
Montgomery, TX |
| Samantha Shaw* |
So. |
UC Santa Cruz |
Long Beach, CA |
| Julia Sosa |
So. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Austin, TX |
| Adeline Truong* |
So. |
UC Santa Cruz |
Reno, NV |
2025 All-Conference *
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