Men's Golf Locks Up 16th Trip to NCAA Division III Championships

The Flying Dutchmen won the MIAA's 54-hole qualifier on Saturday.

Over dinner, the Hope College men's golf team chatted about a frustrating Friday and formulated an approach for the next round — the most important 18 holes of the season.

It was simple, straightforward and successful.

"One of the players said, 'I don't think we should overthink things. Friday wasn't our best day. We're going to come out tomorrow, take care of things and have a much better day," head coach Scott Lokers said. "I thought that was the right touch. Let's do what we do and let's trust each other. They played well."

The Flying Dutchmen shaved 13 strokes off their second stroll through Wuskowhan Players Club on Saturday for a total of 296 that secured a first-place finish at the MIAA's 54-hole national qualifying tournament.

With a three-round total of 895, Hope finished nine strokes ahead of runner-up Trine University for the tournament, despite Trine's tournament-leading 291 on Saturday.

Earlier in the tournament, the Flying Dutchmen shot a first-round 290 at Glendarin Hills Golf Club in Angola, Indiana, on April 15 and a second-round 309 at Wuskowhan on Friday.

Adrian College, which pulled within eight strokes of the Flying Dutchmen on Friday, fell back to third place after play Saturday at 911. Calvin University took fourth at 923.

Hope advanced to next month's NCAA Division III Championships at Keene Trace Golf Club outside of Lexington, Kentucky.

The 72-hole national tournament begins on Tuesday, May 16. This is the Flying Dutchmen's 16th trip to nationals as a team and the second in a row. Hope finished 22nd at the 2022 NCAA Championships.

"We start every year with the goal of winning the fall season, then winning the AQ to get to nationals," Lokers said. "I'm so proud of his team. For the reward to be they get to be part of the national tournament, that's a special experience. I'm thrilled we're headed there."

On Saturday, freshman Liam Casey (Northville, Michigan / Detroit Catholic Central) led the Flying Dutchmen's improved round with a 3-under-68 that topped the 21-golfer field.

Casey carded four birdies and one bogey, including two birdies over his first three holes. He finished one stroke ahead of Calvin's Jack Marzolino. On Friday, Casey shot a 73.

Junior Will Robson (Grand Rapids, Michigan / East Grand Rapids) fired a 75 on Saturday — six strokes better than his Friday round.

Freshman Patrick Michael (Carmel, Indiana / Carmel) chipped in a 76 on Saturday — one stroke better than his second-round score.

Sophomore Jack Guerrera (Northville, Michigan / Detroit Catholic Central) posted a final-round 77 — two strokes better than Friday.

Senior Seth Almquist (Minneapolis, Minnesota / Wayzata) posted his second 80 in as many days. On April 15, he carded a 2-under 69 at Glendarin Hills and finished first.

"Everybody contributed," Lokers said. "All five of those guys found a way to put it together. They were all batting together."

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