March 14, 2004

The Vikings shot a final round 318 on Sunday to finish in 15th place at the Austin Peay Big Red Classic. CSU carded a three-round total of 938 (311-309-318) at the Lake Diamond Golf and Country Club in Ocala, Fla.

Freshman Mike Rutgers (Kingsville, Ontario/Cardinal Carter) led Cleveland State with a 232 (73-75-84) while senior Billy Houle (Joilette, Quebec/Georges Vanier) ended up one stroke down with a 233 (77-79-77). Freshman Ben Grandy (Southgate, Mich./Gabriel Richard) finished five strokes behind the Viking leader with a 237 (82-75-80).

"The course was different than the ones we've played at before," head coach Tom Porten commented, "but, regardless of that, we just weren't ready to play. We drove off the tee pretty well yesterday and today, but we continued to have problems with our putting and chipping."

Methodist College took the team title, carding an 887 (292-292-303) to hold off a charge by host Austin Peay who finished with an 891 (290-300-301). Adam Horton of Methodist was the individual medalist posting a 213 (73-72-68).

The Vikings will continue their spring season on March 22-23 at the William & Mary Invitational in Williamsburg, Va.

"We have a few days to work on our short game before the next tournament," Porten said. "This first tournament was not what we had planned, but we still have high hopes. We will be ready to go."

CSU Scores

T45 Mike Rutgers 73-75-84---232
T50 Billy Houle 77-79-77---233
T63 Ben Grandy 82-75-80---237
T82 Bill Schaefer 80-86-79---245
T86 Cody Harris 81-83-82---246
94 Mike Bognar 86-80-88---254