Bristol, Tenn.- King University enters the 2026 men's golf season with a strong opportunity to outperform expectations after being selected eighth in the Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll. The rankings placed Belmont Abbey at the top with 113 points and eight first-place votes, followed by Erskine in second. Barton and Emmanuel tied for third, while Mount Olive and Young Harris rounded out the top six in a competitive field.
King earned 52 points and one first-place vote, finishing just behind Chowan and ahead of Southern Wesleyan. The placement provides a clear starting point for a Tornado squad aiming to build momentum and climb the standings throughout the spring.
The Tornado's Recognized Athletes
Three Tornado golfers were named to the league's 2026 Players to Watch list:
Carles Calvo Molina, Senior, Barcelona, Spain
Vetle Saether, Junior, Marion, Virginia
Nathan Hopley, Freshman, Manchester, England
Their recognition highlights the individual talent within the program and reinforces the potential for continued improvement.
A Deep and Competitive Conference Field
The 2026 preseason poll reflects a league with strong parity and a crowded middle tier. Belmont Abbey leads a group of contenders that includes Erskine, Barton, Emmanuel, and Mount Olive, while Young Harris and Chowan add further depth. King sits in a position where consistent tournament play and incremental gains could lead to meaningful movement up the standings as the season progresses.
