Archive for the ‘Men’s Golf’ Category

The Missouri Western men’s golf team finished second in their home tournament after they played at Moila Golf Course this past Sunday and Monday.

Western played in the tournament against Fort Hays and Pittsburg State. Although the team finished in the middle of the pack, Griffon golfer Logan Gilliand was the first place medalist, finishing with a two-day total of 146.

Head coach Jim Perry was slightly disappointed with his team’s play.

“Our expectations were higher because we were playing on our home course,” Perry said. “We had a little trouble on our par four scoring; it really did us in.”

Griffon golfer Logan Gilliand finished in first place individually at Western’s first golf tournament of the spring season. Photo | Sara Baum

With weather finally reaching the seventies and being able to play on their home course, the Griffons had a slight advantage.

“Playing on our home course is definitely to our advantage,” Perkins said. “We practice there every day so we know the course really well.”

Perkins hoped the team might capitalize more on the advantage they had.

“I don’t think that we played to our potential,” Perkins said. “We’ve only played six rounds this entire year, so obviously the team is only going to get better.”

Perry mentioned that par scoring would be one of the keys to improvement.

“We just didn’t play as sound as we’re capable of playing,” Perry said. “It was one of those deals where we need a lot more consistency from our par scoring.”

Perkins echoed Perry’s attitude, but saw some positives in the tournament and is hoping to do better next weekend.

“There’s a lot of room for improvement for our team,” Perkins said. “Overall I thought we did decent, but we definitely can improve and we will.”

The Griffons will be playing next on Monday, April 5, at the University of Central Oklahoma Invite in Edmond, Ok.

Women get first place at home

The Missouri Western women’s golf team had a strong start to their spring season as they finished first at their home tournament, the MWSU Invitational, this past Sunday.

The Griffons won the tournament by 37 strokes over second place Avila University. Western’s team score was 683 and Avila’s 720. Fort Hays finished in third, Northwest Missouri State in fourth and Rockhurst fifth.

Head coach Cathy Habermehl was happy with her team’s play.

Natalie Bird places her golf ball on the green during the Griffon’s first home golf tournament of the year. Photo | Sara Baum

The first day of the tournament was rainy and windy, but luckily on Monday the girls were able to play in sunny weather in the seventies.

“It was windy and wet the first day, so the course played pretty long,” Habermehl said. “I think the girls did really well yesterday considering the conditions.”

Freshman Natalie Bird placed first in the tournament, winning by seven strokes. Bird scored a 172. Darcy Smith tied for fourth, Lexi Webb finished in seventh and Kristin Cooley finished in a tie for eighth.

“Everybody has had their holes that they’ve struggled on, but they are all pretty tough and they get themselves back in it,” Habermehl said.

The nice weather and the ability to play on their own Fairview Golf Course both worked to the Griffons’ advantage.

“You always like to play on your own course,” Habermehl said. “You kind of know the greens a little better than the other teams. Also, knowing that your hometown people are coming out to watch you helps – everyone wants to do well at home.”

Western will be playing again on April 7 and 8 in the MWSU/NWMSU Event. The second round will again be played at Fairview Golf Course.