HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. – The Arkansas Tech men's golf team closed out its 2016-17 regular season with a victory as the Wonder Boys held off the host, Harding for a three-stroke win at the 2017 Natural State Classic at Red Apple Inn and Country Club in Heber Springs, Ark. on Tuesday.

NEXT UP

The Wonder Boys will now travel to Hot Springs, Ark. for the 2017 Great American Conference Championships being played at the Hot Springs Country Club from April 23-25.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Heading into the second round with a seven-stroke lead, No. 50 Arkansas Tech closed out the second round with a 291 (+7) to finish with an overall score of 576 (+8). The Wonder Boys defeated Harding by three-strokes (579, +11), and No. 33 Henderson State by seven-strokes (583, +17).

It was the third tournament victory by Arkansas Tech during the 2016-17 season. The Wonder Boys picked up wins at the Northeastern State Classic and the Henderson State Fall Invitational during the fall portion of the schedule.

Austin Smith paced the Wonder Boys as he finished the tournament in a tie for second place. Smith shot rounds of 68 (-3) and 74 (+3) for a 142 (E). Ryan Spurlock joined him with a top 10 finish, shooting back-to-back rounds of 73 (+2) and 71 (E) for a 144 (+2) and a tie for eighth.

Luke Cornett and Putter Srinoon each just missed a top 10 finish as they finished in a tie for 12th with a 145 (+3).