The BG men’s golf team battled rain and high winds and finished in eighth place at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate in Columbus, Ohio, at The Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course.
The Falcons posted a 54-hole score of 922 (305-309-310), just two shots behind their Mid-American Conference rival, the Toledo Rockets.
“It was a great event at a great place in the Scarlet Course,” coach Garry Winger said. “I think the last day was really important for us being paired with Toledo and Eastern Michigan and it really had the feeling on the back nine of playing in the MAC Championships. So the overall experience will only better us for the future.”
On Saturday’s 36 holes “the experience” was a torrential downpour for the entire day, and Sunday contained winds of 20 to 30 mph.
“I think we did well and we kept our composure,” Winger said. “It was an absolute must because of the conditions and what we had to battle through. I don’t know if we have ever played 36 holes in continuous rain but since the course was so firm and dry it could handle it. Then you throw in a golf course that is over 7,400 yards at a par 71, it sums up the difficulty for everyone out there.”
Also competing from the MAC was Kent State, who won the tournament after starting round two 16 shots off the lead. The Golden Flashes, ranked 18th nationally, fired back-to-back 295s on the second and third rounds for an 898 to edge out Southern Methodist by one shot. Ball State finished tied with Dayton for 10th with a 934. Ohio and Eastern Michigan shot a 935 and 939 to finish in 12th and 14th place, respectively.
Wes Gates finished with the lowest score for the Falcons individually by shooting a 227 (78-74-74) to tie for 13th place. Also in the top 20 at 19th place was Parker Hewit, who fired a 228 (71-79-78). Chris Melvin showed consistency for the Falcons by tying for 35th place with a score of 232 (76-77-79). Next for the Falcons was Charlie Olson, who carded a 338 (81-78-79). Rounding out the BG scores was Drew Preston, who shot a 249 (80-88-81).
“Wes was very much in control of his game, which will help you out on the golf course,” Winger said. “He really hit some excellent shots and looked very even tempered and in control of himself.”
Winning the intercollegiate individually was Max Buckley of SMU who shot a 7-over 220. He held off Ohio’s Paul Grauer and Xavier’s Sebastian Maclean by one stroke.
The golf team will wrap up regular season play at the Boilermaker Invitational this Saturday and Sunday in West Lafayette, Ind.
