By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

McMINNVILLE, ORE. -- Willamette University's men's golf team placed fourth at the NWC South Five-Way #4, hosted by Linfield College at Michelbook Country Club on Wednesday, Oct. 3. Linfield, playing on its home course, tied for first place with Pacific University, as both teams achieved a score of 296. George Fox University took third place at 353 and was followed by Willamette at 360. Lewis & Clark College finished fifth with a score of 368.

Linfield ended the day with four of the top seven finishers, led by Tyler Nelson, who earned medalist honors with a 71 (37-34). Second place went to Tim Andrew of Pacific, with a score of 72 (39-33) and third place was claimed by Max Bonk of Pacific at 73 (37-36). A three-way tie for fourth went to Kyle Henderson (40-34) and Joel Rychard (39-35) of Linfield, as well as Ben Wright (39-35) of Pacific, all at 74. Andrew Fitch of Linfield, competing as an individual, placed seventh at 75 (39-36).

WU's top finisher was Robbie Beard (Fr., Yankton, SD/Yankton HS), who placed 15th with a score of 84 (45-39). Also contributing to Willamette's team score were Alex Bennett (So., Sammamish, WA/Skyline HS) with a 90 (43-47), Taylor Buchheit (Fr., Mt. Angel, OR/Kennedy HS) with a 92 (46-46) and Kevin Burfeind (Fr.) with a 94 (47-47).

The Bearcats will be in action again on Sunday, Oct. 14 at the NWC South Five-Way #5, set for the Chehalem Golf Course in Newberg, Ore. Tee time is slated for 12 p.m. (PDT).