The Eastern Michigan University men’s golf team finished third, in a field of 17, at the Firestone Invitational, hosted by the University of Akron on Oct. 7-8. The women’s team finished tied for third, in a field of 16, at the Mid-American Conference Preview, at the Hawthorns Golf and Country Club, in Fishers, Ind. Oct 7-8.
At the Firestone Invitational, EMU finished with a score of 875 (298-291-286).
Sophomore Stuart Grehan shot a 207 (73-67-67), good for first amongst all players. He is the first EMU player to place first this season.
Senior Brian Churchill-Smith finished second for EMU, shooting a 223 (71-76-76), tied for 37th overall. Starting the third round out strong, Churchill-Smith had a pair of double bogeys and a bogey on the back nine. Freshman Kyle Rodes shot a 223 (78-75-70), and tied with teammate Churchill-Smith.
Junior Michael Blair tied for 47th, shooting a 225 (78-73-74). Sophomore Josh Heinze finished tied for 61st with a 228 (76-77-75).
Playing as an individual, freshman Joseph Kremer scored a 236 (81-81-74).
The University of South Carolina-Aiken finished first overall with an 871 (295-294-282), and Washington State finished second shooting 873 (289-291-293).
Looking ahead, the men’s golf team will head to the Crooked Stick Invitational, hosted by Indiana University, Oct. 14-15.
At the MAC Preview, the EMU women’s golf team finished tied for third, scoring a 632 (314-318).
“I thought the girls did as good as they could under the conditions,” EMU golf coach Sandy Wagner said on her team’s third place finish. “One of our key players is injured, Corey Crossan. We were not as deep as we will be for our conference championship, but if we can get healthy, we have a really good chance to finish even higher at the MAC championship.”
Freshman Kelsey Murphy tied for third overall shooting a 152 (76-76), while junior Sylvie Williams matched that by shooting 152 (76-76).
“Kelsey had some really solid play for us from tee to green,” Wagner said. “Sylvie Williams played really well, she was fighting the flu and still put two solid rounds together. Kelsey and Sylvie really stood out as leaders today.”
Redshirt sophomore Karyn Lee Ping tied for 31st, shooting a 162 (80-82), and redshirt junior Lois Schoof shot a 166 (82-84), good for a tied 47th. Senior Usanee Laopattananont tied for 67th, shooting a 173 (85-88).
Playing as an individual, freshman Brenna Hammond rounded out the eagles roster scoring a 181 (88-93), tied for 85th.
The University of Toledo took home the top spot with a score of 611 (304-307), seven strokes above Ball State 618 (311-307).
Looking ahead, the EMU women’s golf team will take the course Oct. 19-20 at the Hoosier Fall Innovational, hosted by Indiana University.
“We’ve been going pretty steady with tournaments, now we got a weekend off,” Wagner said. “We have some time to put together some solid practice, especially at chipping and putting, and hopefully the injuries and illnesses pass. I’m really looking for our team to step up, and play well together.”
