Men's Golf Takes Second at the Branson Creek Invitational

Monday, April 7

Branson Creek, Mo.

All Day

Southern Illinois University

Branson Creek Invitational

04/08/2003 | 12:00:00 | Men's Golf

April 8, 2003

Hollister, Mo. - Seniors Josh Wheeler and Grant Goltz placed among the top-10 to lead Southern Illinois to its best finish of the season earlier today at the Branson Creek Invitational. The Salukis, who carded a three-round score of 889, finished second out of 14 teams competing at the event.

SIU fell just two strokes shy of tournament-winner Sam Houston State, who registered a 887.

A native of Bloomington, Ill., Wheeler extended his streak of consecutive scores in the 70s to seven rounds. Tying for fifth, he clubbed a 74 and 73, before shooting a final 74.

Meanwhile, Gibson City, Ill., standout Goltz, tied with four others for the eighth place spot. After beginning the tournament with a 77, Goltz improved his second-round total by seven strokes (70) before finishing with a 75. All eight of Goltz's rounds this spring haven't exceeded a mark of 77.

A total of 73 golfers competed at this year's Branson Creek Invitational. Illinois State (892), Nebraska (893) and Arkansas State (895) also finished in the tournament's top five.

SIU Individual ScoresT5. Josh Wheeler, 74-73-74--221T8. Grant Goltz, 77-70-75--222T24. Andrew Gwinup, 72-80-76--228T40. Roger Welch, 75-74-83--232T54. Rob Laegeler, 88-73-76--237