Rice Men’s Golf Sends Trio to Bentwater Intercollegiate Near Houston

Rice University’s men’s golf program is closing out its fall slate with a focused three-player squad heading to the Bentwater Intercollegiate, a competitive regional event unfolding just north of Houston. The tournament provides one final opportunity for the Owls to test their progress before shifting their sights to spring play.

The trio—Jacob De Poorter, Rodrigo Martin, and newcomer Ethan Lin—will represent Rice as they take on the two-day event hosted at Bentwater Yacht & Country Club. The course is known for tight fairways and strategic greens, demanding consistency and creativity from anyone trying to stay in contention.

Strong finish in sight

Rice’s coaching staff expressed confidence in the group, noting each player brings something different to the lineup. De Poorter enters the week after several solid rounds this fall, while Martin has shown steady improvement across early-season tournaments. Lin, competing in his first collegiate fall finale, hopes to cap his opening semester on a high note.

The Bentwater Intercollegiate typically draws a competitive field from across the region, offering golfers a chance to face quality opposition in a calm yet high-pressure environment. For Rice, it’s the perfect setting to evaluate individual form and to lay the groundwork for a stronger, more complete spring season.

Why it matters

A strong showing would help the Owls build momentum heading into their offseason training cycle. With several underclassmen playing meaningful minutes this fall, events like this shape the foundation for future depth, leadership, and lineup stability.

For Houston-area fans, it’s also another reminder of how local programs continue developing young talent and keeping competitive golf alive in the region’s sports ecosystem.

What’s next

After wrapping up the Bentwater Intercollegiate, Rice will shift into winter development mode before returning to tournament play in early 2025. The Owls hope performances like this week’s will translate into stronger finishes once conference play arrives.

This article is a summary of reporting by Rice University Athletics. Read the full story here.