Warner Pacific Golf Debuts at Whitman Three-Way
The Warner Pacific golf teams debuted the 2011-12 season at Wildhorse Resort and Golf Course near Pendleton with a third place showing versus Whitman College and Lewis-Clark State.
The Knight men finished the one-day, 18 hole tournament with 316 (+28), just seven strokes behind Whitman (309). Lewis-Clark State was the winner at 306.
Andrew Johnson finished tied for fourth place after he carded a 4-over 76. He was followed A.J. Nelson in 8th place, who finished at 6-over 78. Other Knights competing were John-Michael Pilot (81), Michael Salisbury (81), BJ Fraser (82), Connor Batty (89), and Joe Thompson (91).
"The guys really struck the ball well from the tees and fairways," said coach Robertson. "Where we struggled was on the greens, as the putts just weren't falling. Overall it was a good first tournament for our guys, and we think we will have a good result at our home tournament next week."
The lady Knights turned in a team score of 366 (+78) over the one-day, 18 hole tournament behind Whitman (340) and LC State (319).
Freshman Scotti Jo Helmick was the top finisher for the Knights at 84 (+8) in her college debut. She was followed by Taylor Kautz (90), Kendall Cowley (91), Victoria Cadenas (94), Charli Bolt (101), Rachel Payne (108), and Krista Gaona (138).
"The ladies fought some first tourney jitters early on," said coach James Robertson. "They started to hit a few good golf shots toward the end despite the heat, so I am encouraged. All of them are capable of shooting for much lower scores and we are looking forward to starting the CCC season on our home course."