St. Ambrose Claims First Men's Golf Title

SILVIS, Ill. --- Authoring the lowest score in each of three rounds and producing three of the top six finishers, St. Ambrose University claimed its first Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference men's golf championship in school history with its 17-stroke victory on Tuesday afternoon at TPC Deere Run.

The Fighting Bees tied with Holy Cross College after the first of two rounds on Monday with identical 315 scores, which were also the lowest rounds of the tournament.  By the end of the day, however, St. Ambrose held a 13-stroke advantage over Viterbo University with the Bees' second-round 324.

SAU then wrapped up the title with its 316 on Tuesday to finish at 955 for the tournament.  Olivet Nazarene gained runner-up distinction with its 972 (325-328-319), followed by Viterbo at 975 (322-330-323) and Holy Cross at 988 (315-341-332).

The Bees also came away producing the tournament medalist in Dylan McAleer.  He edged out Holy Cross' Jacob Palmer for the top spot by one stroke.  McAleer registered a 229 (73-78-78) to Palmer's 230 (78-78-74). 

McAleer's one-over-par 73 in the opening round on Monday was also the lowest for the tournament.  He was joined by teammates Griffin Smits and Colin Riggs among the top six finishers.  Smits placed fourth at 237 (79-77-81) with Riggs at 243 (81-82-80).

Besides McAleer, Smits and Palmer, the other all-tournament representatives (Top 5 finishers) were Olivet Nazarene's Chris Brown, who finished third at 235 (76-79-80), and Trinity Christian College's Yanis Toinard, who was fifth at 239 (80-78-81).

The title advances St. Ambrose to the NAIA National Championships right back at TPC Deere Run on May 20-23.

For the complete tournament results, go to Results.