The Baker University men’s golf team finished out the season last weekend with a fourth-place finish in the conference and Region V tournaments.
The men competed in the conference tournament on April 27 and 28 in St. Peter’s, Mo.
Coach Karen Exon said they didn’t do as well as she thought they could have.
“To be real honest, if we would have had a practice round, we could have gotten at least second,” Exon said. “We maybe even could have made a run at the conference title.”
In the first round of the tournament, freshman P.J. Matulka led the way for the ‘Cats with a score of 76, just five strokes off par. Sophomore Michael Kahler shot an even par with a score of 71 in the second round while freshman Derek Donovan recorded a 72. Also, junior David Tregemba had a solid second round of 79 to help the team place fourth. Kahler’s score of 71 was the lowest round posted by anyone, which helped him earn a third place finish individually.
Kahler said he was content with the team’s performance.
“The team played pretty solid,” Kahler said. “Our team was helped out this year by several freshmen. We played better than we have in the past but we could have played even better.”
Kahler had such a successful season and conference tournament that he was named to the all-HAAC team. He said the award is a great honor.
“I am pretty ecstatic,” he said. “This year’s hard work has paid off. I’m going to look to do better next year at regionals and make it to nationals next year.”
For the Region V tournament held on May 1 and 2, the ‘Cats were ranked fourth heading in. With solid rounds on the par 72 course from Tregemba, Matulka, and freshman Chase Day, the team was able to hold the fourth spot. Tregemba finished in the top 10 with a score of 77 and back to back scores of 75. Matulka shot two 78s and a 77 while Day broke into the 70s with a score of 77 on the second day.
As a team, the Wildcats shot a score of 307 on the second day to capture fourth place.
Tregemba said the season ended pretty well for the men this year.
“I think overall, we did pretty well,” Tregemba said. “We grew up the last few tournaments. We kind of set the pace for what we want to accomplish next year.”
Exon said the end of the season was a success, but the next season should be even better.
“We had a really good trip,” Exon said. “We went in ranked at a particular level and we held it. It would have been nice to finish higher, but I thought it was a good week. We have a real solid nucleus for next year and, with four recruits coming in, it should be a solid year.”
Senior Chuck Golden is the only player the men’s team will lose this year and, with the incoming freshman, the Wildcats will look to improve upon their fourth place finish next season.