The weather is far from ideal for golf, but whether rain or shine, the Loggers drive to the Fircrest Golf Course to practice their strokes in preparation for each tournament. Each tournament has proven that the Loggers, both men and women, are a strong group of golfers.
However, it all comes down to the end of the season pièce de résistance: the Northwest Conference Championships.
The men and women ended their season at the Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Richland, Wash. over the past weekend. The Logger men finished third overall in the championships, allowing them to finish second in the conference standings.
According to Logger Athletics, the Loggers had to shave five strokes from their day one score in order to land their third place win.
However, they succeeded in doing so and walked away from the championships with the knowledge that they ended the season on a high note.
The women finished sixth as a team, with an overall score of 725 (+149). This allowed for the Loggers to finish eight strokes in front of rival Pacific Lutheran. However, it was not far enough in front to take the title from George Fox.
The championships also proved to be grounds for solid performances from individual members of both teams. Senior Greg Kirkpatrick led the Loggers with a two round score of 148 (+4) and a fourth place finish. Senior Natalie Nakamine led the women with a score of 162 (+18) to tie for a seventh place finish.
Freshmen Derek Wilson and Matt Kitto also did exceptionally well during the two-day tournament. With a score of 156 (+12), Wilson placed 10th overall. Kitto finished with a tie in 13th with an overall score of 157 (+13).
The championship also marked a day of recognition for two members of the Logger golf teams. Both Kirkpatrick and senior Sarah Bicker earned Northwest Conference honors. It is a great way for both to conclude their Logger golf careers.
Bicker played solidly all season. Although she finished 15th at championships with a 168 (+24), her NWC Fall Classic Title landed her the all-conference honor.
With the season over, the team is looking forward to starting up again in the fall. It will be interesting to see how the team dynamic will change with the loss of the graduating seniors.
However, as the Conference Championships demonstrated, both teams have potential in their underclassmen golfers.
As for now, both the men and women’s golf team can finish their respective seasons knowing that they put their best foot forward.