WPU News
Wed, Apr 1, 2009 - [Men's Golf]
Gavin Miles led the team with a score of 234 (76-78-80)
Gavin Miles led the team with a score of 234 (76-78-80)
Dallas, Texas--The Statesmen golf team opened its 2009 spring season by taking on strong competition from NAIA and NCAA Division II programs at a challenging historic course at the Dallas Baptist Patriot Classic Monday and Tuesday.

Penn finished 11th out of 13 teams with a three-round score of 973 (+133) (323-323-327) at the par-70 Golf Club of Dallas.

The top-ranked team in the NAIA, Oklahoma Christian, blitzed the field to take the title at 863 (+23) (290-282-291), while Northwood (Texas), #19 in the NAIA, and Abilene Christian (Texas), who is receiving votes in NCAA Division II, tied for second at 890 (+50). Texas Wesleyan, ranked 13th in the NAIA, was fourth at 892 (+52).

The Golf Club of Dallas had for years been the host course of the PGA's Dallas Open, now the Byron Nelson Classic.

Tor Erik Knudsen of Oklahoma Christian topped the individual standings with a score of 214 (+4) (73-69-72).

Gavin Miles (Fr., East London, South Africa, Selborne College) led Penn by tying for 44th in the field of 71 with a score of 234 (76-78-80).

Seb Stobart (Fr., Ndola, Zambia, Simba International School) was next in 53rd with a tally of 241 (85-78-78), while Seth Vernon (So., Knoxville, Knoxville HS) was 59th with a 249 (77-89-83).

Rob Sandburg (So., Fort Madison, Fort Madison HS), in 60th at 250 (85-79-86), and Lucas Troyer (Jr., Kalona, Mid-Prairie HS), in 66th at 268 (92-88-88), rounded out the varsity scoring.

The first junior varsity team also competed and placed 13th in the team standings.

Cory Sheeley (Jr., Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa HS) was 63rd at 254 (84-85-85), while Ian Minder (Fr., Muscatine, Muscatine HS) was 64th at 259 (82-87-90). Caleb Herman (So., Crawfordsville, WACO HS) was 68th at 276 (95-92-89) and Deon Bergeron (So., Lake Charles, Lake Charles HS) was 71st at 341 (127-107-107).

Next: Penn will host the Southern Iowa Spring Invitational next Thursday at Edmundson Golf Course in Oskaloosa.