MARICOPA, Ariz. – SIUE golf made its final round of the year one of its lowest, wrapping up play at the National Golf Invitational with a sixth-place finish.
The Cougars fired a 279 Sunday and finished at 854 (-10), two strokes back of fifth-place Wyoming. The 279 ranks among the 15 lowest in school history.
Washington State won the team title at 823 (-41). TCU finished second at 842 (-22). Butler (-18) and Richmond (-15) finished third and fourth, respectively.
"I am really proud of the guys and how they fought and improved every day," SIUE Head Coach Derrick Brown said. "The last two rounds we definitely proved we are a really good team that can compete with some of the best."
Individually for the Cougars, TJ Baker led SIUE with another top-10 finish. In his final round as a Cougar, Baker shot a career-low 66. He finished at 210 (-6). Luke Ludwig finished at 217 (+1) and tied for 27th. Brady Kaufmann and Brent Reintjes tied for 30th at 218 (+2). Reintjes carded his second straight round in the 60's, shooting a 69 Sunday. Anthony Ruthey tied for 36th at 221.
"The three seniors (Luke, Anthony and TJ) have given a lot to this program and helped continue the success we want in our program," Brown said. "I appreciate Golfweek recognizing our strong season and inviting us to the NGI. It was a great experience for us all."
Valparaiso's Anthony Delisanti finished at 201 to earn Individual Medalist honors.
