Golf finishes strong
The Utah State Aggie golfers took to the course this week in Lake Tahoe, Nev. at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. Edgewood Tahoe is considered one of the top golf courses in the United States by Golf Digest and has hosted the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship for the last 21 years. USU competed against 14 other schools, including a number of top-20 teams including Idaho, San Diego and Washington State. The event was hosted by the University of Nevada, which took second place overall with an even 576 (292-284). The event was planned to have three rounds, with the first two on Monday and the last round on Tuesday, but the last round was cancelled due to inclement weather.
After playing in cold, windy and rainy weather, the Aggies took 13th place in the two rounds with a 20-over 596 (295-301). The team was eight holes into the third round when the weather halted the play. At the time, the Aggies were golfing extremely well and were only seven shots out of seventh place, but since the round was cancelled, it did not count and the Aggies came home with 13th.
Senior Benjamin Schilleman lead the Aggies with a three-over 147 (73-74), which tied for 28th place overall. USU head coach Dean Johansen, who is in his 11th season as coach, said he thought Schilleman played valiantly despite being sick with flu-like symptoms.
“I think he played really well,” Johansen said. “He was a bit under the weather, but all things considered I think he played really well.”
Senior Tyson McFarland of Rexburg, Idaho tied for 33rd with a four-over 148 (73-75). Junior Chanse Godderidge, out of Smithfield, Utah, tied for 55th place with a seven-over 151 (78-73), while fellow junior Austin French, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, tied for 68th with a 10-over 154 (75-79).
Freshman Beau Ehlers of Evanston, Wyo., who participated in his first event as an Aggie at the Classic, tied for 76th place with a 17-over 161(74-87). Ehlers is the first true freshman to travel with the team in seven years. Following the match, Johansen said that the freshman has adjusted well given the demands of the college game.
“I think it was a good learning experience for him,” Johansen said. “College golf is so different than high school golf. I haven’t had a true freshman on the road with me in about seven years, and I forget what a shock it is for them to go out and play golf courses like that, in conditions like that … it’s a little bit of a mental grind for them.”
Alex Ching of San Diego University won medalist honors with a seven-under 137 (67-70) while leading San Diego to first place for the event with a 12-under 564 (280-284).
“Tim Mickelson (the head coach of San Diego)… does a real good job with the kids and they’ve got a strong team and have for a couple of years now,” Johansen said.
While only five members are allowed for each event, all Aggie team members are working hard to gain a spot on the travel team for their next event, the Purple/Red Invitational, hosted by Weber State and the University of Utah on Oct. 11 in Layton, Utah.
“The full roster is working hard to get out on the road and to help each other get better,” Johansen said.
– j.mill@aggiemail.usu.edu