The Grand Rapids Community College Golf team took second place out of eight teams at the National Junior College Athletic Association Preview Tournament this weekend in Indiana with a three day score of 892.
Owens Community College, the number one ranked team in the NJCAA Golf Rankings, finished in first place with an overall score of 881. Despite the second place finish, Coach Bruce Vandenbeldt was very pleased with his team. “We had a fantastic tournament,” he said.
Sophomore, David Thompson, led GRCC and finished third individually with a three day total of 217 (76, 70, and a 71). Freshman Zack Bialik shot a 77, 75, and a very low score of 69 on the final day of the tournament.
Every player held their own, according to Vandenbeldt.
“As a team, we have six kids that can score,” Vandenbeldt said. GRCC had scores of 297 and 306 the first two days of the tournament. They ended the tournament with a 289 on the final day. “I was really pleased with how we reacted the last day of the tournament. We finally saw the hard work pay off.” Vandenbeldt said.
GRCC’s Anthony Conaway said the tournament was a great learning experience.
“We had to come out and put a good number up as team and we did. We had a rough start, but we battled back; our main focus now is getting back there for nationals.”
GRCC’s Golf team will finish off their season with the Jackson Community College Invite tournament on Oct. 18 in Jackson, MI, and the Koehler Collegiate Classic on Oct. 20 in Koehler, Wis. Vandenbeldt said the team will continue to work hard to prove that they’re worthy of their current No.5 NJCAA Golf ranking. After their second place finish at the tournament in Indiana, he said “After today, I believe we’re capable of playing with anyone.”
