Men's Golf News

Rams Succumb to Weather; Drop Match to Martin Luther College

By Todd Monger

NEW ULM, MN - The intense cross winds and first bursts of chilled air that met the Rams on arrival in New Ulm this Tuesday certainly cooled off their hot streak of the 308 victory the week before. The Rams had just played Martin Luther College only five days earlier, but the New Ulm Country Club and change in climate certainly appeared to distract the team during this dual match. The Rams were defeated 321 to 346.

From the first tee to the last the Rams began the day with an up hill battle. Phil Culham's tee ball off number one found a tree which kicked him onto the eighteenth fairway. Culham would later correct the error on his second shot to save par. Tyler Adams, number two spot, found trouble off the same tee when wind forced his ball in the opposite direction, soon to be played by another patron who didn't check his ball - resulting in a delay on Adam's second shot and a no penalty drop. Dean Goodwin was perhaps the only one who was able to harness the wind off the first tee, but would follow suit with his team mates as each player struggled against the wind and unpredictable greens.

Bogie golf was a common theme of the day for most players. Culham came close to a hole in one on number 14, with a 190 yard drive on line with the pin to stick the ball six inches from the cup. An easy tap in for birdie was rewarding for a rough day and the hopes to put some pressure on his MLC playing partners. Joe Zell of Martin Luther found the left bunker on hole number 14 which left Culham feeling confident about winning this hole. Zell, however, mastered a perfect out from the sand only to roll it in for a birdie; rubbing salt into the wound of the Rams who couldn't find a break anywhere.

Low score of the day in the ugly conditions was 78 from Joe Biebert of MLC, with Ram's player Dean Goodwin posting the second lowest score of 80 to tie the MLC's number one player, Joe Zell.

While a sad day for a team who's spirits were high on arrival, the Rams Golf team still has good momentum going forward into the next few matches. The coach's goal not to post a score over 100 in competition is still intact, along with maintaining a highly improved game score average over the past years. With a wake up call like the one experienced in New Ulm, the Rams have a new drive forcing them to come back in their next match this Thursday against University of Minnesota - Morris.

Rams Claim First Tournament Victory; Show Great Promise for NCCAA Championships

By Todd Monger

MANKATO, MN – Nothing could match the smiles on the faces of Ram’s Golf team as they pulled out of the parking lot of North Links Golf Course in Mankato this past Thursday. The sweet taste of victory was emphasized by the team shooting one of the lowest scores in their history on route a win over Bethany Lutheran College and Martin Luther College.

The Rams surprised their opponents this week with a team score of 308, beating Bethany (Mankato, Minn.) by one stroke and MLC (New Ulm, Minn.) by 6. Not only was it one of the lowest scores in team history the Rams clinched their first ever overall win in non-head to head competition. In recent years NCU has not been as competitive with several of its opponents, yet this season teams are discovering a whole new level of play from the Rams.

Hungry to make up for last week’s two stroke loss to Crown, the Rams fired away at the first tee in perfect succession. With four of the five Rams players finding par on the first hole, it was immediately apparent this was going to be a good day. Despite the tough cross winds, the sun was shining and the competitive edge was sharp.

Freshman, Dean Goodwin, playing in the number three position showed incredible poise throughout the day leading the Ram with a team low score of 74. Placing the lowest score at the turn with a 38, he went onto continue his amazing touch from 125 yards out closing the back nine with a series of pars and birdies for a 36.

By hole number five, Tyler Adams, was sitting one under showing incredible focus and keeping the pressure on his opponents. After dropping two shots into hazards and carding an 8 on the sixth hole, Adams had to regroup. Once again, in the same fashion as Adams did against Crown the week prior, his ability to fight back came through strong. Coming out of the front nine Adams made the turn posting a 40 and trailing his opponents. Then he closed out the back nine with a turn-around 37 to beat his partners who posted a 78 and a 79.

Team captain, Phil Culham, who would end up posting a 76, arrived in Mankato with a mission to correct the errors that caused him trouble the week before at his home course. Rounding the turn, Culham, also churned out 40 strokes and tightened up his game on the back nine with an even par for 36. Driving down the home stretch using a seven iron off the tee, he discovered an unfortunate bounce kicked him left into the water hazard. With a penalty stroke and a drop at the 155 yard mark, Culham took a knock down pitching wedge approach placing it within eight feet of the pin. This position allowed him for a steady putt to save par and lead his team to the first victory of the season.

David Thomassen was the fourth score to be counted, posting yet another improved score from the week prior with an 81. With a 41 on the front and a 40 on the back, Thomassen demonstrated what he is becoming known for – a steady, focused approach to each shot.

The win was sweet, but the Rams still have much work to be done to reach a game average of 320 needed to qualify for the NCCAA National Tournament. The Ram’s 308 team mark bettered their previous 340 shot on their home course last Tuesday.

The NCCAA National Invitational is Oct 10, 2007. The Rams hit the links next on Tuesday, Sept 11 at 2pm against Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn.