Dalton State Men's Golf Ties For 12th at NAIA Championships - Levi Nix Agains Shoots A 69

Friday, May 27, 2016
Bob Beavers

Dalton State golfers at the NAIA National Tournament are from left: Chase Jones, Austin Hughes, Sean Elliott, Dalton Johnson, and Levi Nix

Dalton State (299-313-295-296 = 1203) finished the 65^th annual National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Men's Golf Championship tournament in a tie with Grand View (Texas) (307-301-297-298 = 1203) for 12^th.

Playing on the prestigious 7066 yards, Par-71 TPC at John Deere Run Course, the Roadrunners second day deficit proved difficult to overcome.

Levi Nix tallied his second straight two-under-par 69 in Friday's final round. The senior had the best Roadrunner score for the tournament with 77-83-69-69 = 298).

Sean Elliott finished with a two over 73. Last season's record setting tournament individual medalist shot a 76-hole 305.

Chase Jones (75) and Dalton Johnson (79) had team counting scores. Austin Hughes (80) also played. Dalton had the third best DS individual score at 307. Hughes totaled a 310. Jones (69-0-75-75) was at the top of the leaderboard after the first day, but had his Wednesday score disqualified because of a scorecard problem.

"Another season has gone by and I am so proud of all of our players," said DS Coach Ben Rickett. "We have had our ups and downs this year and we didn't finish the way that we wanted to but it's still been a fun ride. It is always hard knowing that this is the road for your seniors who have been such a big part of starting this program and its continuing success. We are learning each and every year and looking forward to next season already. As always none of this is made possible without the support of The Farm and Dalton Golf and Country Club, Tom Boers, Karyn Rizer, and out administrator and generous donors."

Two-time defending NAIA National Champions Coastal Georgia (311-301-297-293 = 1202) moved up to 11^th.

Oklahoma City (292-297-289-286 = 1164) is the 2016 national champion. British Columbia (299-289-283-301 = 1172) finished eight strokes back. The St. Louis area's William Woods (284-301-298-290 = 1173) finished third followed by Texas Wesleyan (1176).

David Ravetto (72-20-71-67 = 281) of Texas Wesleyan, Matthew Cheung (71-70-72-71 = 284) of Oklahoma City, and Lawren Rowe (73-67-73-74 = 287) of Victoria (BC) finished at the top of the individual leader board.