Ferris State Men's Golf Opens Spring With Strong Third Place Team Finish

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's golf team hit the links for the first time this spring and came away with a third-place overall team finish at the Saginaw Valley State Spring Invitational, which took place on Saturday and Sunday (March 21-22) at Boone Links Course in Florence, Ky.

A total of 12 teams took part in the two-round event with Lewis (Ill.) capturing first place with a 596 team score. The Flyers edged out Lake Superior State in second place at 602 and the Bulldogs, who posted a 605 team score.

Ferris State shot a 307 in the opening round on Saturday before coming back with a 298 team figure over the final 18 holes of action on the par 72 course played from the championship tees.

Bulldog junior Ben Cook finished tied for fourth individually in the field with a 145 total over the two days of action. He opened with a one-under par 71 on Saturday before firing a 74 on Sunday.

Behind Cook was senior Chris Eaton along with junior Zack Kiefer as both tied for 17th in the field. Eaton posted an 81 in round one, but shot an even-par 72 in Sunday's competition to finish at 153 for the tournament. Meanwhile, Kiefer shot a 74 in the opening round and then tallied a 78 on day two to also finish with a 153 individual figure.

FSU senior Sam Stark was only a shot behind Eaton and Kiefer as he carded a 154 total for the two days to finish tied for 21st. Stark netted an 80 in round one and then recorded a two-over 74 score in Sunday's action.

Finally, sophomore Cody Simons tied for 40th overall with a 160 score on rounds of 81 Saturday followed by a 79 on Sunday.

The Bulldogs also had three golfers compete as individuals in the tournament. Freshman Seth Terpstra posted a 148 total to share sixth place in the field on rounds of 76 and 72 over the two days, respectively. FSU's Tyler Siech placed tied for 14th at 152 on identical rounds of 76 with freshman Jack Weller carding a 156 figure to tie for 23th overall. He shot a 77 in round one and a 79 in the final round.

The Bulldogs finished two strokes ahead of archrival Grand Valley State, which placed fourth with a 607 score. Walsh completed the top five in the team race with a 609 total.

Ferris State is next slated to be in action with a dual against regional opponent Bellarmine (Ky.) on Friday (March 27) in French Lick, Ind. The Bulldogs then compete in an event hosted by Wisconsin-Parkside on Sunday and Monday, March 29-30, in Columbus, Ind.