# Southwest Golf Outlook: UNM Finalizes Roster as New Mexico Open Elevates Regional Stakes

**By Amelie Fontaine**  \nPublished September 26, 2026  \nUpdated September 26, 2026

> With head coach Jake Harrington leading a balanced nine-man roster in Albuquerque and Turtleback Mountain raising its purse to $137,000, New Mexico golf gains regional momentum.

As the 2026-27 regional golf calendar takes shape across the Southwest, competitive interest in New Mexico is pivoting around two central developments: a restructured collegiate lineup in Albuquerque and a substantial purse expansion for the state's signature open championship. Head coach Jake Harrington and assistant coach Brady Edwards have finalized a nine-man roster for the New Mexico Lobos, blending regional upperclassmen, domestic transfers, and international freshmen.

## Albuquerque Squad Dynamics: Harrington Assembles Nine-Player Unit

The Lobos' campaign relies heavily on senior stability at the top of the lineup. Fourth-year anchor Johnnie Clark, standing 6-foot-5 out of Mesa, Arizona, arrived via Arizona Connections Academy and Oklahoma State to provide established power and tournament experience. He joins fellow fourth-year veteran Wyatt Provence, a 5-foot-11 Amarillo, Texas native who previously competed at West Texas A&M after playing at Randall High School.

Local continuity remains rooted in two Albuquerque products entering their third collegiate seasons: Cade Freeze (St. Pius X High School / MidAmerica Nazarene) and Clark Sonnenberg (Albuquerque Academy). Second-year contributors Dylan Park (Easley, South Carolina / Wren High School / Winthrop) and Thayer Plewe (Cortez, Colorado / Montezuma-Cortez High School) round out the squad's middle core after gaining valuable experience during their opening year in the program.

To complement the returning foundation, Harrington's staff brought in a three-man freshman class spanning domestic and international backgrounds. Tyson Embry arrives from Marcus High School in Highland Village, Texas, while Albin Ivarsson (Gothenburg, Sweden / RIG Golf Filbornaskolan) and Oliver Scriven (Jersey, U.K. / Millfield School) provide European junior credentials to bolster depth.

2026-27 New Mexico Lobos Men's Golf Roster BreakdownPlayerClass YearHometown / Previous SchoolJohnnie Clark4th YearMesa, Ariz. (Oklahoma State)Wyatt Provence4th YearAmarillo, Texas (West Texas A&M)Cade Freeze3rd YearAlbuquerque, N.M. (MidAmerica Nazarene)Clark Sonnenberg3rd YearAlbuquerque, N.M. (Albuquerque Academy)Dylan Park2nd YearEasley, S.C. (Winthrop)Thayer Plewe2nd YearCortez, Colo. (Montezuma-Cortez H.S.)Tyson Embry1st YearHighland Village, Texas (Marcus H.S.)Albin Ivarsson1st YearGothenburg, Sweden (RIG Golf Filbornaskolan)Oliver Scriven1st YearJersey, U.K. (Millfield School)

## Financial Expansion at Turtleback Mountain

Parallel to collegiate preparations, southern New Mexico is positioning itself as a premier regional tournament hub. The 2026 New Mexico Open at Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort has raised its total prize fund to $137,000, anchored by a $30,000 payout for the champion. Managed under the Troon property network, the 72-year-old tournament's elevated purse places it among the highest-paying State Open events in the nation.

blockquote>We're committed to creating a championship that attracts outstanding players, delivers a memorable experience for spectators, and introduces more people to everything southern New Mexico has to offer.

— James Prendamano, Owner of Turtleback Mountain & CEO of PreReal Investments

## Regional Benchmarks and Strategic Stakes

Financial investment in state championships mirrors broader national trends where elevated purses serve as a magnet for tour-bound professionals and top-tier amateurs seeking high-leverage competition. Similar competitive drama has played out on established regional circuits, such as the 76th Illinois Open at Kemper Lakes, where Michael Feagles fired a final-round 3-under 69 to overtake overnight leader Brian Ohr, or at Wynstone where Charlie Nikitas previously set a tournament record with a 20-under 196 total.

Whether establishing lineup consistency in collegiate play under Harrington or chasing lucrative prize money at Turtleback Mountain, players across the region face heightened standards. With four upperclassmen, two sophomores, and three freshmen, New Mexico's roster balance reflects a calculated mixture of immediate capability and long-term development entering the 2026-27 season.

## Sources

- [illinoisgolfer.net](http://www.illinoisgolfer.net/) — original
- [golobos.com](https://golobos.com/sports/mgolf/roster) — original
- [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/troon_the-2026-new-mexico-open-at-turtleback-mountain-activity-7488983069865996288-ACNX) — original