Owls Defend Men's Golf Title

5/6/2025 2:22:11 PM

The Mississippi University for Women men's golf team defended their SLIAC Championship, winning the 2025 title with a conference record three round score of 853. 

The Owls shot under par in all three rounds, becoming the first team to accomplish that feat in conference championship history. They opened the tournament with a 279, tied for the 5th lowest round in championship play. They followed with back-to-back rounds of 287 and become the sixth program in conference history to win back-to-back championships. 

Not only did the Owls win the team championship but the program had its first individual champion as well in Matt Wilkinson. Wilkinson started the tournament with a 66, which at the time tied the championship record for lowest round. After a 74 on day two, the graduate student carded a two under round of 70; finishing with a 210. Wilkinson headed into his final hole of the round facing a three-way playoff for the individual title. However he was able to birdie #17 and win the title by one stroke over teammate Zach Riley and Lake Forest's Tyler Wengronowitz.

Lake Forest College gave MUW a push, but finished in 2nd place with an 867. Wengronowitz led the charge for the Foresters, shooting below par in all three rounds and carding a three-round score of 211. 

Coming in 3rd was Lyon College with an 868. Brooks Vangilder was the talk of the tournament after his second round of 63, setting a new championship record by three strokes. The freshman followed that up with another below par round on day three, carding a 71 to finish tied for 4th overall with a 213. 

Illinois College finished 4th with an 888. Jarrett James led the Blue Boys with a 9th place showing finishing with a 216.

Knox College took 5th with an 898. Freshman Thomas Lyaudet tied for 6th overall with a 215, carding a pair of 71 rounds in the championship.

Finishing 6th on the team scoring was Webster University with a 900. Justin McCoy capped off his collegiate career with a 221, finishing 12th overall.

Spalding University came in 7th with a 920. Brady Westwood paced the Golden Eagles with a 228, tying for 26th place, and highlighted by a 67 in round two.

Grinnell College took 8th place with a 941. Roger Smith led the way for the Pioneers with a 224, tying for 18th place.

Westminster College placed 9th with a 949. Aidan Fonke finished tied for 15th with a 223, including a one under 71 in round two, and becomes the first Blue Jay to earn All-Conference honors since 2011.

Blackburn College was 10th with a 961. The Beavers were led by Bryce Wrightsman with a 229, tying for 28th place. Wrightsman carded a 69 in round two.

Wrapping up in 11th place was Monmouth College with a 969. Ganon Greenman led the way with a 238, tying for 42nd place.

Fontbonne University took 12th place with a 998. The Griffins were paced by JP Rubel with a 236, tying for 39th place.

Rounding out the scoring was Eureka College with a 1198. Tyler Platz finished with a team best score of 278, coming in 60th place.