Hilltopper Golf Takes Fourth at XU Invitational

Monday, October 14

Mason, Ohio

All Day

Western Kentucky University

Xavier Invitational

10/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf

Oct. 15, 2002

Bowling Green, Ky. - The Western Kentucky men's golf team returned to the Xavier Provident Invitational on Oct. 14-15, a site where they walked away with the tournament in record-setting fashion last season, and left missing both their title and their 54-hole record. The Hilltoppers won the XU Invitational last year by setting tournament records for 18 holes (276), 36 holes (562) and 54 holes (854). Despite four top-30 finishes from his golfers, head coach Brian Tirpak's squad was unable to repeat as tournament champions, giving way to Wright State. The Raiders capitalized on a first-place effort from senior Jesse Hutchins, who finished at minus 12, to card an 853, good enough to steal WKU's title and eclipse their 54-hole record by one stroke.

Freshman Robby Shaw led the way for Western, tying a career low with a 69 in the final round, to grab a share of 11th place with a three over for the event. Sophomore Sam Smith, playing in his first event of the fall, tied for 16th with a three-day total of 218. Seniors John Mullendore and Adam Cox posted a pair of 220s, giving them both a share of 30th place. Cox's 220 total came on the strength of a career-low 69 in the final round. Senior Jared Topmiller followed closely behind, tying for 39th place with a 221 total.

The Hilltoppers still hold XU Invitational records for low 18-hole and 36-hole totals. Western returns to action Oct. 28-29 at the Stonebridge Invitational.

Xavier Provident Invitationalhosted by Xavier Universityon Oct. 14-15, 2002Grizzly Tournament Course,The Golf Center at Kings IslandMason, Ohio (Par 71, 6,550 yards)
Team Scores   1. Wright State............290-280-283 - 853   2. Eastern Michigan........287-288-280 - 855   3. Xavier..................288-284-289 - 861   4. Western Kentucky....285-297-283 - 865   5. Indiana.................293-287-288 - 868   6. Iowa....................296-290-287 - 873   7. Eastern Kentucky........302-287-286 - 875   8. Penn State..............296-291-291 - 878   9. Akron...................299-288-294 - 881      Bowling Green...........297-295-289 - 881      Georgetown..............300-293-288 - 881      Ohio....................302-295-284 - 881  13. Marshall................307-287-291 - 885  14. Ball State..............305-288-296 - 889      Michigan................294-303-292 - 889  16. Richmond................307-302-298 - 907  17. St. Joseph's............312-295-309 - 916  18. Cincinnati..............313-303-301 - 917
Individual Leaders   1. Jesse Hutchins, Wright State..........68-69-64 - 201   2. Miles Maillet, Xavier.................70-63-72 - 205   3. Craig Pickerel, Bowling Green.........72-68-68 - 208   4. Brad Pemberton, Eastern Michigan......69-71-70 - 210   5. Ben Davidson, Indiana.................73-69-70 - 212
WKU Individuals  t11. Robby Shaw...............73-74-69 - 216  t16. Sam Smith................71-74-73 - 218  t30. Adam Cox.................76-75-69 - 220  t30. John Mullendore..........70-74-76 - 220  t39. Jared Topmiller..........71-78-72 - 221

- WKU -