Linkers end fall tour; claim firsts at classic

The fall golf season ended on a high note with both men’s and women’s teams taking first place at the Schreiner Fall Classic early last week in Kerrville. The men finished the two day tournament with a score of 576, beating defending conference champion Mary Hardin-Baylor by four shots.

Joey Rippel brought home an individual title with scores of 74 and 65. Rippel’s 65 on day two ties the program’s lowest round record. Brandon Ellis finished one stroke behind Rippel and finished tied for second. Ellis’ scores of 68 and 72 tied him with Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Aaron Massey.

Luke Loggins finished the tournament tied for 11th with scores of 70 and 77. Travis Johnson finished tied for 18th with rounds of 74 and 77. Katie Harris’ third place finish led the way for the women’s team. Harris’ round of 77 on day one and her two day total of 158 now rank second in the program’s history.

Jennifer King placed tied for seventh with scores of 82 and 83. Meaghan Howell and Jordan Woodruff finished tied for ninth with two day totals of 166. Callie Rice finished two strokes behind Woodruff and Howell finishing tied for 12.

“Girls and guys played great,” coach King Campbell said. “Katie’s 77 and Joey’s 65 were outstanding. We beat all the conference teams, and now our goal is to win the conference tournament.”

Campbell said this will be a challenge in the spring to choose the top five players on the men’s side, but the high level Rippel and Ellis are playing always gives them a chance to win.