Men’s Golf wins the NWC Fall Classic, Smith is individual medalist

Woodburn, OR - Men's Golf won the Northwest Conference Fall Classic by shooting a 3-under par 285 on Monday for a two-day total of 562 (-14).  Willamette entered the day tied with Whitman for first place but outshot the Blues by five strokes on day two to win the event.  Willamette was the only team under par for both rounds.

Willamette's Oliver Smith won individual honors by shooting a 9-under 135 over the two days, following up his opening round 67 with a 68.  He defeated Whitworth's Sam Pauly by three strokes.

Monday's round was a shotgun start with Bearcats starting on the back nine where they had performed so well to end the opening round.  Smith had five birdies in the opening 10 holes, followed by teammate Alexander Papajohn with three and Brock Olson and Jack Carr each with one.  

The hot start gave Willamette the lead at the turn and they held on despite a series of bogies on holes #4 and #7.  Carr, Olson, and Smith, all birdied hole nine to provide the Bearcats with their final margin of victory.  

Olson followed up his opening round 68 with an even-par 72 to finish at 140 and tie for fourth place.  Papajohn also shot a second-round 72 to finish at 143 in a tie for eighth, with Carr one stroke back tied for 13th at 144.  Lucas Paul, who shot an opening round 71, carded a 76 on day two and ended up in 21st place overall.

Golf's next competition will be next weekend at the Confluence Classic hosted by Whitman College on Sunday, October 20th, and Monday, October 21st.