Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Men's Golf Finishes Third at the Gopher Invitational
9/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
INDEPENDENCE, Minn. - In its first tournament of the 2016-17 season, the Michigan State men's golf team finished third at the Gopher Invitational with a 14-over 866 (292-284-290). The Spartans third round 290 was the second-lowest round of the day behind Oklahoma's 287.
Gopher Invitational Results
Gopher Individual Results
The Sooner captured the team title with an 8-over 860 (284-289-287). Oklahoma finished eighth in the 2016 NCAA Championship. San Diego State was second with a 13-over 865 (289-282-294). Michigan State was the highest finishing Big Ten with Iowa taking seventh, Minnesota's A team was tied for ninth, while the Gopher B team was 14th.
"This was a really solid start for such a young group. With 60 percent of our lineup being new from last year, I am really happy with how we competed and how we finished," MSU head coach Casey Lubahn said. "We learned a lot about all eight of our guys this week. All in all this was a very positive week for all eight of our players."
Senior Sam Weatherhead finished second one shot behind individual medalist Grant Hirschman of Oklahoma. Weatherhead earned his first top-five performance of the season with a 2-under 211 (70-69-72). Sophomore Dylan Deogun was right behind Weatherhead, finishing third with a stellar 1-under 212 (72-70-70).
"Dylan played exceptionally well the last two days. I have kind of been pushing him for a while now and he has been ready for this. We all learn in our own time, and he certainly grew by leaps and bounds this weekend. I think it will really catapult him, and that is kind of the message for everybody," added Lubahn.
Senior Charlie Netzel was the third Spartan to finish in the top 20. Netzel completed the tournament with a 4-over 217 (73-71-73). Michigan State had at least three players with at least one round of 71 or lower.
"Weatherhead and Netzel have been big time players for us for a long time so that gives everyone some comfort, but just like any team if the seniors have a good year you are going to have a good year. Our two seniors are going to be rocks for us, and they got us off to a good start," Lubahn said.
Junior Michael Sharp was tied for 54th with a 15-over 228 (77-74-77). Freshman Andrew Walker completed his first collegiate tournament tied for 56th with a 17-over 229. After a tough 79 in the opening round, Walker settled down with a pair of 75s.
The Spartans were second in the tournament with 40 birdies just behind Oklahoma's 47. Weatherhead was first with 13 total birdies, while Deogun added 10.
Michigan State had three players who played in the Gopher Individual as well. Sophomore Glenn Piot was 16th with a 9-over 225 (76-75-74), improving every round. Freshman Austin Jenner was tied for 17th with a 10- over 226 (75-76-75), while redshirt freshman Scott Dunsire finished tied for 27th with a 18-over 234 (77-75-82).
Michigan State is back in action at the Inverness Intercollegiate Sept. 19-20 at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. The Spartans are the Inverness Intercollegiate defending champions.
Players Mentioned
