DALLAS (SMU) – Last month, one of the Hilltop's own was awarded the opportunity to showcase his skills in the name of assisting those who have suffered the effects of psychological trauma while serving in the armed forces.
 
Six of the top competitors from collegiate golf programs across the nation – including SMU's Noah Goodwin -- convened at Scottsdale National in November for the filming of the 2021 PXG College Golf Showcase. The group was divided into two teams, both vying for a portion of a one-million-dollar pot provided by the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation. The event aired on the Golf Channel on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

Goodwin and his team, rounded out by Arkansas' Brooke Matthews and Oklahoma's Logan McAllister, were led by playing captain, former NFL running back Jerome Bettis. The team was chosen to represent Mount Sinai Hospital's Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma, a branch of the New York-based health system conglomerate which is focused on the research of psychedelics and their potential role in treating PTSD in combat veterans.

Dr. Rachel Yehuda, the program's director, spoke of the importance of the Center's PTSD research and why it holds such a deep meaning for those such as herself, as well as those who seek treatment.

"We do know a lot about what PTSD is and why it happens … but we haven't until now really found a way to give people their lives back," Yehuda said. "To have people be able to embrace life again after trauma, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy I believe really can do that for our veterans."

Former Marine veteran, actor and comedian Rob Riggle captained the second half of the cast, comprised of Eugenio Chacarra (Oklahoma State), RJ Manke (Washington), and Gina Kim (Duke). Riggle and his team represented the Semper Fi & America's Fund, an organization focused on the assistance of combat wounded veterans.

The opening nine holes were played out in in a traditional scramble, in which each hole offered a total of $25,000 to be won for either team's respective organization, and a tie on any hole would result in split earnings for both teams. Goodwin's Mount Sinai led through the front nine, posting three eagles and accruing a total of $162,500 to Semper Fi's $87,500.

The back nine, played in a three-player alternate shot format, proved to be Semper Fi's opportunity to take control of the contest. The opposition claimed $150,000 through the proceeding three holes and held a lead until the 14^th, where Goodwin and Mount Sinai regained control, earning $250,000 on the following two holes. Semper Fi ultimately finished the contest with a $512,500 edge to Mount Sinai's $487,500.

Goodwin and SMU men's golf open the 2022 portion of the season on Jan. 24 at the Southwestern Invitational, held at the North Ranch Country Club in Westlake, California.