The Dalton State Men's Golf team had a solid day Friday in tough conditions in the final round of the NAIA National Tournament at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, IL. The Roadrunners fired a (+29, 313) to improve two spots and finish in the top 5 in 4th.
Grand View (Iowa), (+11, 295), came from behind to claim the National Championship.Three-day leader Cardinal Stritch (Wisc.), (+29, 313), finished in 2nd, followed by Texas Wesleyan (+19, 303) in 3rd.
S.M. Lee finished off his stellar freshman campaign in style finishing fourth overall.
Lee's round got off to a rough start with one birdie, two bogeys and double-bogey to go out in (+3, 38). As with every round this week, Lee attacked the back 9 with birdies at Nos. 13 & 17 to finish with a (+2, 73).
Dalton Johnson picked up where he left off yesterday with a birdie at No. 2, but bogeys at Nos. 8 & 9 had Johnson making the turn at 1-over. Four bogeys on the back 9 halted Johnson's momentum as he finished his final nine in (+4, 40). He would finish 18th overall after a (+5, 76) on the day.
P.J. Shields started his round with a bogey at No. 1. It would be tough sledding the rest of the front 9 with three bogeys, and two double-bogeys to go out in (+8, 43). Shields would recover nicely on the back 9 with birdies at Nos. 15 & 16 to close his tournament with a (+9, 80).
Junior Chase Cole had trouble finding a rhythm on the day. A card with eight bogeys, a double-bogey, and a triple-bogey had Cole finish with a (+13, 84) in the tough conditions. His overall performance for the week was good enough to finish in the top third of the field in 55th.
Freshman Ben Rebne had a tough week, but found a positive result on the day with a birdie at No. 16. He would close out his tournament with a (+18, 89) final round.
"When we started the season we had two goals in mind," said DS coach Ben Rickett. "To win the conference and give ourselves a chance to win a national championship. We didn't achieve our second goal, but I could not be more proud of these guys." Rickett continued, "The weather was horrid for four days and the guys handled it so well. When I started with this group nine months ago, I had an idea they could be good, but they out did even my expectations." He concluded by saying, "With such a young group, it makes the future of this program very exciting. I know that we will be ready to go next year and hopefully be back in a position to win a National Championship."