The men’s golf team opened up conference play on Sept. 17 in style as the team submitted a season best round of 296 to place third at their home course.
“We shot our low score of the year by 22 strokes,” said head coach Mark Bloomendaal. “This was a great improvement from earlier meets.”
Knowing the course, the Raiders enjoyed the advantage of knowing the shots they should take and those they should avoid.
“We did a great job keeping the ball in play and avoiding the penalty strokes that hurt some of the other teams,” Bloomendaal said.
This was the first GPAC conference meet of the year. There are two in both the fall and spring to decide what teams or individuals move on to nationals.
“This meet puts us in a position to battle for one of the two spots that will qualify for nationals,” Bloomendaal said.
Senior Luke Vermeer led the team, carding an even-par 71 with 36 and 35 on the front and back nine respectively. This score was good enough to place him in a four-way tie for 3rd place with Cam Jacobs of Morningside, Andrew Farrand of Dakota Wesleyan and Bill Keane of Briar Cliff.
Freshman Johnny Schwaller shot a career-best round of 73 (36-37) and freshman Michael Clark and senior Jon Roberts turned in 76s to tie for 15th overall.
On Monday, the team travels to Crete, Neb., to compete in the Doane Invite.
