By the time the men’s golf team had entered the clubhouse at Inwood Golf Course this past Tuesday, April 9, they had played their way into a new school-record team score and their second consecutive second-place finish.
The par 71 course in Joliet, Ill., played to a distance of 6,196 yards and set up nicely for the Cougars. Inwood fit the eyes of the host University of St. Francis golf team just a bit better, though, as the SXU team was bested by a slim three strokes. St. Francis was also the winner of the Olivet Nazarene Spring Invite two weeks ago where SXU finished second.
The success of the team score was anchored by two of its most seasoned players. Juniors James Kerr and Kirby Brown each shot a two-under 69 to lead the Cougars to the close finish. Their individual scores were good for a tie with each other for second place in the tournament.
This was also Brown’s second consecutive second-place individual finish. He and Kerr, a native of Donegal, Ireland, would have placed in first if not for a 68 by Josh Glass of St. Francis.
Right behind Brown and Kerr was sophomore Kyle Bahnick, who shot an even par 71. Junior Brendan Ryan concluded the scoring with a 75. The total team score, 284, made for an impressive finishing score average of even par for each player.
The Cougars, whose season is coming to a close, have saved some of their best golf for last. The solid results have the team looking optimistically upon the prospects for SXU golf in the years to come.
Tim Carroll
Sports Contributor