GRAND BLANC, Mich. - The Kalamazoo College men's golf team finished fifth out of seven teams at Spring Arbor University's Spring Thaw at Wawick Hills on Monday.
Kalamazoo shot 652 as a team in the 36-hole event, 10 strokes better than Albion College, the only other Division III college at the event.
"It was very special to play today at Warwick Hills, which for over 50 years hosted the PGA Tour's Buick Open," said Kalamazoo Head Coach Mitch Wilson. "The guys got to play the same track that has featured winners such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Ben Crenshaw and Jim Furyk."
"Unfortunately the weather in April doesn't quite match what the pros played in August. The course played very long with 25-30 MPH winds and temperatures dipping into the low 40's. I was very proud of how the team kept grinding on a long day of 36 holes -- something we don't do very often."
David Smith finished sixth overall with a combined total of 157 (81-76) and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Phil Ritchie came in at 161 (81-80) in his first event with the team. Phil is a dual sport athlete who plays soccer as well.
"David Smith continued his outstanding play as a freshman by coming back strong in the afternoon round with a 76 -- one of the lowest rounds in the tournament -- and winning all-tourney honors. We are thrilled that soccer player Phil Ritchie decided to join the team this spring as a dual sport athlete. Phil is a great player and really enjoys competitive golf."
Agron Ziberi (167), Scott Manski (167) and Tibin John (188) rounded out the top five for Kalamazoo.
The Hornets are scheduled to host the inaugural Steven L Tyler Intercollegiate at The Moors next Monday, April 21 at 1 p.m.
"We encourage spectators to come out next Monday for our Steven L Tyler Intercollegiate at The Moors Golf Club starting at 1 p.m."