Tight fairways and lurking hazards challenged the ninth-ranked Hope College men's golf team, but not enough to slow the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association leaders.
The Flying Dutchmen improved to 3-0 in MIAA Jamborees this fall with a six-stroke victory at The Medalist Golf Club in Marshall, Michigan, on Thursday.
Hope shot a team score of 302 to top the eight-team field as senior Josh Gibson of Grandville, Michigan (Grandville HS) tied for medalist honors with a 1-over-par 73. Calvin College (308) finished runner-up, while Trine University (312) was third.
Head coach Scott Lokers and the Flying Dutchmen increased their lead in the overall standings to 31 strokes over second-place Calvin. There are 54 holes remaining.
"It's always satisfying to win, so to win the first three jamborees, we're really pleased with that," Lokers said. "We don't want to take anything for granted. We're only halfway there."
Senior Andrew Goble of Brighton, Michigan (Brighton), pictured, tied for fourth with a 75.
Junior Noah Weigle of Grandville, Michigan (Grandville) carded a 76 and tied for eight.
Junior Daniel Settecerri of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (Bloomfield Hills) chipped in a 78 to round out Hope's scoring.
Senior Ben Kramer of Spring Lake, Michigan (Spring Lake) shot an 81. Sophomore Kevin Tapani of Wayzata, Michigan (Providence Academy) had an 83.
"The Medalist is always a tough place to play," Lokers said. "The fairways are really narrow, a lot of trouble with hazards and out of bound close to the fairway. We thought the pin placements were difficult as well."
Hope returns to action is Monday, October 1 at the MIAA Jamboree hosted by Calvin.
