Men’s and Women’s Golf Finish Invitationals with Lowest Scores

The Loyola golf teams traveled to Puerto Rico and North Carolina over spring break to take part in two different invitationals. Both teams were able to secure their lowest scores of the season during their respective invitationals. 

Women’s Golf at Puerto Rico Classic

The Loyola women’s golf team traveled to Humacao, Puerto Rico March 5-7 to play in the Puerto Rico Classic. The Ramblers left with a share of ninth place out of 12 total teams. The Ramblers recorded their lowest score of 305 in the first round, led by first-year Cassie Psuik. 

Florida Gulf Coast University took first place at the 54-hole tournament with a low score of 865 strokes. Third-year Ava Romfo from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro took first place individually with 213 strokes. 

Psuik recorded her lowest score in the first round with 73 strokes. She overcame a tough start in her final round with an eagle and birdie on the front nine, leaving her with a total of 75 for the round. Psuik picked up the Loyola record for most eagles in a single season with a total of four. 

Psuik finished first for the Ramblers with a total of 224 strokes (73-76-75), earning 22nd place out of 70 individuals. 

“She’s had some great rounds this season, but this was definitely her most consistent tournament overall,” head coach Brandy Johnston said about Psuik’s performance. “In the three tournaments this spring, we’ve had three different players lead us in scoring which is a testament to our depth.” 

Third-year Cate Reisinger fired her second-consecutive 75, earning her a total of 231 strokes (81-75-75) and a tie for 39th place. Second-year Adie Maki trailed Reisinger with just one stroke and a total of 232 strokes (77-80-75) to reach 42nd place. Third-year Jolie Brochu placed in 43rd just behind Maki with a total of 233 strokes (75-78-80). Fourth-year Kate Meiser finished off the team with a 242 (82-79-81) and finished in 61st place.

Aside from the team score, the Ramblers had several individuals competing in the tournament. First-year Reese Clark finished in 68th place with a 252 (83-78-91). Four strokes behind Clark was first-year Amelia Gatti who ended with a 256 (85-88-83) in 69th place. Fourth-year Abby Thielbar withdrew after the second round with scores of 77 and 76.

The Ramblers ended the tournament with a total of 919 strokes (306-308-305), ending with their lowest score in the final round with 305 strokes. Ball State University also scored a 919 (306-302-304), securing a tie with the Ramblers. 

Johnston said the team had many positives from the week, but they still have a lot to work on the course.

“We need to continue to improve around the greens along with our course management,” Johnston said. “The players set some lofty goals for themselves this season, and I think that this event showed us that we have some work to do over the next six weeks if we want to fulfill the expectations we have for ourselves.” 

The team is back in action March 25-26 in the Babs Steffen Invitational in Debary, Florida.

Men’s Golf at Ross Intercollegiate Classic 

The Rambler men’s golf team finished 10th out of 16 teams on their visit to Southern Pines, North Carolina for the Ross Collegiate Classic March 11-12. The team’s efforts in the final round allowed them to shoot four-under-par and score the lowest single-round score under head coach Erik Hoops. 

The team scored a total of 882 (305-293-284) at the fifty-four hole tournament, with their lowest being in the final round. The lead scorer for the Ramblers was graduate student Zach Walsh who went two-under-par in his second and final round carding two 70s. Zach Walsh ended the tournament with a 214 (74-70-70), finishing in a tie for 12th place.  

Following closely behind Zach Walsh was second-year Sebastian Kasun whose total went one-under par closing with a tie for 13th place with a total of 215 (76-69-70). He and Walsh shared a 70 in their final rounds putting them in a good position for the team total. 

Second-year Charlie Kulwin recorded his lowest score going one-under par to put him in a tie for 67th place with a total of 228 (80-77-71). Second-year Dori Lee carded his lowest score of the week with a 73 in his final round and a total of 234 (80-81-73) putting him in a tie for 79th place. One stroke behind Lee was second-year Ryan Walsh who finished with 235 strokes (75-77-83), tying for 81st. 

Individually, redshirt second-year Zach Mulhearn (79-81-75) tied with Walsh for 81st place after also carding a 235 finishing with his lowest score in the final round with a 75.  

Hoops said the team had a great week from Zach Walsh and Kasun which is what the team needs to compete in tournament fields.

“It felt great to shoot one of the lower rounds of the day today,” Hoops added. “We talked last night about that being our goal for today and we succeeded.” 

Hoops said the team has a lot of momentum for the rest of their spring season and the good weather Chicago has had a positive impact as the team continues practicing outside for their upcoming tournament. 

The Ramblers are back at it March 24-26 as they travel to Mobile, Alabama for the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate.

Featured image courtesy of Steve Woltmann | Loyola Athletics