Master the green

Brandon Ellis takes a swing. Ellis led the team in round two, shooting 76 on the par 71 course and finishing tied for 31st individually. Photo by Clay Ihlo

HERSHEY, PA - A four-day score of 1204 (307, 309, 291, 294) earned the University's men's golf team an eighth place finish at the NCAA Div. III national golf tournament May 11-14 in Hershey, Pa.

Methodist University took home the national crown shooting 1177, a stroke in front of Guilford College. Tain Lee of Claremont Mudd Scripps (Calif.) won the individual title by three strokes, shooting seven under for the tournament.

The Patriots sat 10 shots back after the first two rounds, shooting 307 on day one at Hershey Links and 309 on day two at Hershey Country Club-East.
Conditions were not ideal either day, with rain and cold affecting play in round one and wind playing a factor in round two.

Tynan Day led the Patriots on day one with a one-over 73. Brandon Ellis led the team in round two shooting 76 on the par 71 course.

The Patriots made a move in round three shooting 291. Rippel led the way firing a 70 (-2) at Hershey Links.

Tynan Day set up his shot. Day led the Patriots on day one with a one-over 73. Photo by Clay Ihlo

Bobby Ennis carded the Patriots best score on the final day, shooting a one under 71. Rippel followed with a 74.

Ellis finished tied for 31st individually, shooting 300 over four days.

"We got off to a bad start (Friday) on the first couple of holes," head coach King Campbell said after the final round. "We made a good run at the end, and just came up a little short."

The Patriots sat tied for fifth with nine holes to play, but fell to eighth with four holes left where they stayed.

"Overall it's been a great year," Campbell said. "I'm not disappointed ... next year we just need to be a little more consistent."

The Patriots finish the season with seven victories and three players, Ellis, Walsh and Rippel, being named to the PING All-Region team.
Rippel earned his way onto the NCAA Div. III All-Freshman team.