Cumberland University

Rising sophomore Luke Carroll competes in the 5th U.S. Adaptive Open. (Photo Credit: Logan Whitton/USGA)

Men's Golf 7/9/2026 1:48:00 PM

Carroll Makes Cut, Finishes Tied for 21st at U.S. Adaptive Open

LEBANON, Tenn.--Rising Cumberland University sophomore Luke Carroll competed among the world's top adaptive golfers this week, finishing tied for 21st at the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open.

Carroll carded rounds of 74, 72 and 82 to finish at 12-over-par 228. His even-par second round vaulted him safely inside the cut line, allowing him to compete in the tournament's final round for the first time in his career.

The Nashville native earned his place in the championship through a highly competitive qualification process. Carroll advanced after shooting a 76 at a sectional qualifier in Indianapolis in May, posting one of the top scores in his impairment category among qualifiers across the country.

"I played in a qualifier in Indianapolis in May and had one of the top scores across all the qualifiers in the country in my impairment category, which allowed me to qualify to play in the U.S. Adaptive Open," Carroll said.

The Open is conducted by the United States Golf Association and features many of the top adaptive golfers from around the world. To qualify, competitors must possess a World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) Pass, meet impairment eligibility requirements and, for amateurs, maintain a Handicap Index® of 36.4 or lower before advancing through sectional qualifying.

After opening the championship with a 74, Carroll responded with one of his best rounds of the tournament, firing an even-par 72 to earn a spot in the final round.

"It was something I hadn't done before, and it was something I had worked hard for," Carroll said of making the cut. "I had played in the first three editions of the tournament, but there wasn't a cut in the first two years, and the third year I didn't play my best golf to make the cut. So it feels great to have made the cut and been able to play one more day in one of the best events I can play in."

Carroll's appearance marked his fourth consecutive start in the U.S. Adaptive Open. At just 17 years old, he was the youngest male competitor in the inaugural championship field in 2022.

The championship, which was televised nationally on Golf Channel, featured golfers from around the world. England's Kipp Popert claimed the overall title at 18-under par, and Carroll used the opportunity to observe one of the players he admires most.

"My biggest takeaway from the event is knowing how close I am to being right there competing for the overall championship," Carroll said. "I was able to watch Kipp Popert, who has a similar disability as me and is someone I look up to for my golf game. Seeing how similar our games are, but also seeing how consistent he is and knowing what I need to work on, has given me confidence and excitement to get back to competing this year so I can put myself in that position and compete to win the tournament next year."

For Cumberland head coach Rich Williams, Carroll's performance was another step forward in his development as both a collegiate golfer and a competitor.

"Anytime you play for a national championship, it is a learning experience," Williams said. "Luke gained a lot of experience last year and was able to improve his scores. Being able to compete in more competitions will only benefit his growth in his game."

Williams believes Carroll's success is a reflection of the work ethic and attitude he displays every day.

"Luke is a fantastic young man," Williams said. "He is one of those kids that gives you zero issues. We are very proud of Luke, but this doesn't change any of that. I'm always proud of Luke."

With his best finish at the U.S. Adaptive Open now behind him, Carroll returns to Cumberland carrying valuable experience from one of adaptive golf's biggest stages as he prepares for his sophomore season with the Phoenix.

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Players Mentioned

Luke Carroll: 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

Luke Carroll
: 5' 9"; Freshman