After losing their footing near the end of the season, the Golden Eagles golf team spoke loud and clear about the make up of their team by shooting a season low 312 good enough for sixth in a 21-team field at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Golf Championships on Tuesday. Rain shortened a two-day event to a single round and one Navy and Gold golfer finished as an All-American, while another placed on the National All-Academic Team and yet another played the best round of his collegiate career. Saint Marys of the Woods completed their second straight season as national champions with a round of 294.
It wasn't a great start to the day as the Eagles found themselves at six over par after each golfer completed their first hole of play. This day, however, was destined to be something special because over the last two tournaments of the regular season, the team shot their highest finishing totals of the year even while winning a tournament championship. With the team recording 45 pars and eight birdies on the day, they shot just nine-over par on the final nine holes of play with 26 pars and four birdies. They were led by sophomore, Adam Matusik, who shot a one-under par 35 on his opening nine and proceeded to finish his day with two birdies and 11 pars over his final 16 holes. He began the day at three-over par after playing the first two holes of Penn State's Blue Course. His stellar play earned him a spot in the top 14 golfers in a field of 121 participants as he finished 35/39/77 and was named a USCAA Second Team All-American.
Kade Rainsberg, who was named to the All-Academic team for the third time in his career, was also plus three after his opening two holes, but eliminated any big numbers and carded four birdies and seven pars over his final 16 holes. He made his way past a nagging back issue and finished 41/36/77 and lipped out a put for eagle on the par five 18th hole. Bailey Campbell put together the best round of his collegiate career with a 41/39/80 and made 11 pars on his final 17 holes while converting on five consecutive mid-round pars. Dakota Wright shot 42/39/81 with nine pars and a closing birdie on the 18th. Nick Reeder added a 85 for the Eagles.
Over the course of four seasons of membership in the USCAA, the Golden Eagles finished ninth in their first two trips to the national championship and followed those up with an eighth place finish in 2018. Their sixth place finish this year was just four strokes from fourth place.
The tournament wraps up the fall portion of the schedule with the spring season beginning in April 2020.
Adam Matusik finished in the top 14 golfers and was named Second Team All American with a 74.
Bailey Campbell lines up a chip on the par four thirteenth at Penn State's Blue Course where he shot a collegiate career-best 80.
Nick Reeder eyes up a bunker shot on the par five fifth hole.
Kade Rainsberg shot 77 and was named to the USCAA All-Academic Team.
Dakota Wright awaits his turn to putt at the USCAA National Championship.