William Penn Ties School 36-Hole Mark at CMU Open
William Penn University Athletics
Oskaloosa–A youth movement propelled the Statesmen men’s golf team to a pair of sub-300 rounds as it competed at the Central Methodist Open Monday and Tuesday.
WPU finished fifth out of 14 teams with a two-day tally of 590 (297-293) at the par-71 Hail Ridge Golf Course. William Woods (Mo.), which finished last year #3 in the NAIA, took the top two spots. Its varsity won the tourney with a 12-under-par 556 (276-280), while WWU’s JV was 20 strokes back for the silver.
William Penn’s 36-hole tally of 590 ties the school modern-day record, set back on September 20-21, 2007. Since the 2007 event was on a par-70 course, this week’s 590 is actually a new record as compared to par (eight strokes better at +22).
Also, looking ahead to next year’s transition to the Heart of America Athletic Conference, William Penn finished ahead of all four HAAC in the field (Missouri Valley, Central Methodist, Evangel, and Avila).
David Houlding of William Woods won the medalist honor in the 79-person event with a five-under par 137 (69-68).
Freshman Gareth Sargent (Knysna, South Africa, Psychology), playing in just his second collegiate tournament, guided the Statesmen in a tie for eighth at 144 (76-68). His three-under 68 on Tuesday tied for the third-lowest round of the competition. The freshman had the best finish of any player on a team from the current or future HAAC.
Sophomore Brandon Dizon (San Leandro, Calif., Sociology), with a 72-76, and freshman Frederik Lundsgaard (Jebjerg, Denmark, History/Government), with a 77-71, both tied for 19th at 148. Lundsgaard has started his WPU career strong with three of his first four rounds at or under par.
Tyler Lallier (Sr., Algona, Iowa, Business Management) tied for 39th at 154 (72-82), while Jeremy Swink (Sr., Burlington, Iowa, Physical Education) rounded out the lineup in a tie for 41st at 155 (77-78).
Next Up: William Penn travels to Indianola next Wednesday to compete in the Simpson Invitational. Action will be contested at Indianola Country Club.
