Record-Tying Performances from Statesmen in Season Opener
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen men’s golf team had an impressive start to its fall campaign by winning the Navy and Gold Classic Monday and Tuesday.
William Penn was first out of five teams with a two-day score of 12-over 572 (287-285) at the par-70 Edmundson Golf Course, a 6,130-yard track. The squad cruised to the tournament title by 15 strokes over runner-up Baker (294-293–587).
WPU’s 572 ties for the lowest 36-hole score in school history; the other time it happened was on a par-72 course. It is the lowest score at Edmundson in program history (previous low was 573).
The weather could not have been better for the competitors as the temperatures were in the upper 80s both days with little wind.
Spencer Tucker (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sports Management) led the way for the navy and gold, tying a pair of William Penn records. He tallied a one-under 69 on Monday and followed that up with a five-under 65, which matches Frederik Lundsgaard’s 18-hole program mark from back in 2016. Tucker ended up at six-under 134 to also match Lundgaard’s 36-hole score from 2016.
Over the span of the tournament, Tucker managed 10 birdies to tie for the team lead.
Austin Hafner (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sports Management) challenged his teammate to the end, posting a four-under 136 with a pair of 68s. He also finished with 10 birdies, while the Statesmen as a team managed 29 birdies along with 99 pars.
Bailey Johnston (So., Hastings, Minn., Business Management), in his first tournament for WPU, tied for eighth in the 32-player field at 150 (73-77). Cameron Johnson (Sr., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Business Management), at 80-75, and Jonathan Jarvis (Sr., Burlington, Iowa, Business Management), at 77-78, each tied for 14th at the Classic.
Danny McQuade (Jr., Tucson, Ariz., Political Science) topped WPU’s individuals as he tied for 22nd at 161 (85-76).
“I am really excited about the changes that we made in the recent weeks, working on different skills that have shown through in this tournament,” Graduate Assistant Coach Brock Hartley said. “The potential for this team is incredible. Congratulations to Spencer and Austin for being in the red on both days.”
Next up: The Statesmen will take a week off before returning to action on September 26-27 as they travel to Kendallville, Ind. to play in the Saint Francis Invitational at Noble Hawk Golf Links.
