MADISON, Ill. – SIUE golf bested a field of 16 teams to win the SIUE Dolenc Invitational completed Tuesday at Gateway National Golf Links. It is the fifth time the Cougars have captured their home tournament and the first time since 2018.
"Our guys came to play," SIUE Head Coach Derrick Brown said. "These guys have a lot of talent. We are a good team. We didn't let down. Sometimes when you're playing at home, you put a little pressure on yourself. These guys didn't. They just went and played golf and let their talent speak for itself."
The Cougars fired a 274 Tuesday and finished with an 818 (-34), setting a new school record for a 54-hole total as well as in the history of the event.
UT Martin (-23) finished in second place and New Orleans (-11) took third place.
UT Martin's Dax Isbell claimed Medalist honors at 16-under. Missouri State's Hampus Wijkstrom (-12) finished as the runner-up.
Anthony Ruthey and Brady Kaufmann each finished 10-under to tie for third place. Kaufmann shot a career-low 65 in the final round, which is tied for the fifth lowest individual total. Brent Reintjes tied for seventh place at seven-under. TJ Baker finished at five-under to tie for 10th. Luke Ludwig fired an even-par final round and tied for 42nd.
Three individuals played for SIUE as well. Max Bruening finished at 220 to tie for 59th. Alex Eickhoff tied for 71st and Preston Bily tied for 76th.
SIUE travels to Wichita State's Grier Jones Invitational Monday and Tuesday.
"We have two more events to play in (in the fall)," Brown added. "We're going to do the best we can in those. Starting the season 44-5 is pretty good."
