South West Illinois News

The Southern Illinois University men’s and women’s golf teams wrapped up the fall season in style by winning their final tournaments.

The women’s team tied for first place at the Charles Braun Intercollegiate tournament, hosted by the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. The first day of play was rained out, then SIU shot a combined 311 on the second day, which was good enough to tie Butler University for first place. In a press release, SIU head coach Alexis O’Brien said the team performed well despite difficult circumstances.

“Only playing one round is tough," O'Brien said. "It's all or nothing and the conditions were tough today. We grinded it out and it wasn't pretty, but it's a win."

Four SIU players finished in the top 10, including Alice Ho, who took home second with a score of 76. Emilyee McGiles shot a 77 to tie for fifth place, and Lili Klekner-Alt and Rosemary Bundy tied for eighth with a score of 78. The second-place finish was the best of Ho’s career. The tournament also marked Bundy’s first appearance as an individual player for SIU.

“I am so proud of Rose for finishing tied for eighth in her line-up debut," O'Brien said in the release. "She can really play tournament golf and is the type of player who plays better in tournaments than qualifying."

The men’s team was in action at the Pinetree Intercollegiate tournament hosted by Kennesaw State University. The team was led by Peyton Wilhoit, who took home the individual title with a three-day score of 137. Men’s head coach Justin Fetcho said in a press release that Wilhoit had one of the best performances of the year.

"That was some special golf that he played, especially in the first round," Fetcho said. "He went 35 holes without making a bogey, which shows how in-control he was of his game. He's been chomping at the bit to win a golf tournament for some time, and I hope it's a springboard to win it many more times."

Wilhoit’s performance was key to the Salukis winning the tournament. SIU finished with an overall score of 583, while the University of Wisconsin and Kennesaw State tied for second only one shot behind.

Hunter York was the second-highest individual finisher for SIU, shooting 145 and coming in eighth place. Luke Gannon took 15th place with a score of 148, Dirk Kuelher finished in 41st and Sam Meek rounded out the field for SIU, coming in 48th.

Following his performance, Wilhoit was named Missouri Valley Conference golfer of the week. It marked the fourth time in his career that he has received the honor. Not only did he record his first win of his collegiate career at the Pinetree Intercollegiate Tournament, he also recorded his career-best score of -7. On day one of the tournament, Wilhoit shot a 66 for the fifth-lowest score in SIU history.

Both men’s and women’s golf teams will return to play in February.