The North Central Missouri College men's golf team posted a top 3 team finish at the Southwestern Premier Invite late last week. In rainy conditions at Mozingo Lake CC in Maryville, MO, the Pirates posted a team 36-hole score of 626. "This was by far our best showing as a team. A score of 313 on both rounds isn't the lowest score we've posted, but considering the course conditions and the level of competition, it's a step in the right direction," remarked a pleased Coach Sager.
Individually, Lewis Hopkinson finished in a tie for 3rd place at +5. "Lewis shooting 74-75 just shows the maturity of his game. Placing tied for 3rd in this field is a great way to transition into our final two events of the fall. I'm still waiting to see Lewis match up his putting and ball striking in the same round. When that happens we'll see him starting posting numbers in the 60's."
Other individual scores for the Pirates were Scott Swayne (+9), Nate Swann (+12), Easton Klaver (+24), James Gardner (+27) and Tom Sagun (+45). "Scott and Nate both put together great rounds. In conditions like this we expect a good round from Scott. His game and ball striking ability will always give him a chance to post quality numbers. Nate worked his tail off in the gym last week and it showed. His confidence is growing and like Lewis, once he gets hot with the putter his scores will start dropping. Those two consistently hit as many greens and fairways as anyone in the field; they'll get it figured out on the greens in no time," added Sager.