April 21, 2009 – The Truman men’s golf team turned in their best single round performance since last September in the final round of the MIAA Championships at Shoal Creek Golf Club in Liberty, Mo. on Tuesday. The Bulldogs’ 292 put them in fourth place overall and just four back of Missouri Southern.
The team took advantage of the early tee times during round one and posted a 303 in windy conditions Monday. Nik Bentzinger was tied for the clubhouse lead with a one-over par 72 after the first 18 hole round but stronger afternoon wind gusts pushed scores higher.
Truman was in second place but a 319 in round two moved them to a tie for fourth with Southwest Baptist and one shot back of the Lions.
Led by senior Michael Spaulding’s 70 on Tuesday, Truman was able to move past SBU into sole possession of fourth place but could not over come Southern’s 289 for third. Spaulding’s 70 was the low round of the day and moved him to 11th overall.
In that final round, senior Scott Danielsen, sophomore Chris Kovach and Bentziner all shot three-over par 74s as the Bulldogs matched their season-best round from the Pittsburg State Tournament last September.
Danielsen shot 231 for the 54-hole tournament and placed in a tie for 15th while Bentzinger and Kovach tied for 17th.