The Hope College men's golf team is aiming to repeat as Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champions and NCAA Division III Championship qualifiers during the 2016-17 season.
Coach Bob Ebels and the Flying Dutchmen claimed their third consecutive MIAA title last season en route to a 23rd-place finish at the national tournament, despite replacing four of their top five golfers.
Head coach: Bob Ebels, 25th year
Assistant coach: Scott Lokers
Roster: Eight
Class breakdown: Seniors - 1, Juniors - 2, Sophomores - 3, Freshmen - 2
Top returners: Senior Winton Munch is a three-time all-region honoree who played all 72 holes at nationals as a junior and placed 26th. Junior Kade Hoeksema, sophomore Josh Gibson, sophomore Andrew Goble and sophomore Ben Kramer all competed at nationals last season.
Departures: Paul Bardenhagen, Kevin Cross
2016 opener: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2-3 at Olivet Collins Memorial at Bedford Valley Country Club.
Of note: Due to a change in format for MIAA play, the Flying Dutchmen will not host a home event this fall. The MIAA champion will be determined by 108 holes of play, divided by four 18-hole jamborees and a season-ending 36-hole event at Battle Creek Country Club.
Click below to watch an interview with Coach Ebels.
