University of Wisconsin - Stout

Outlooks looks good for second year of program

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MENOMONIE (September 14, 2007) - After one meet, second year men's golf coach Terry Watkins likes what he saw in his young team's first match of the season.

In its first meet of the season, the second year program, which consists of predominately freshmen and sophomores, shaved 18 strokes off their score from the same tournament last year.

The Blue Devils started off hot on the first day, but cooled off considerably the second day and finished ninth at the Augsburg Fall Invitational, Sept. 10. In spite of the number of strokes the second day, Watkins saw some differences from this year's team compared to last year's.

"When I got into the car (after the second day), it was so quiet," Watkins said. "They knew they hadn't finished well. Their passion for the game was evident."

Watkins expects that passion to continue throughout the fall season and stretch into the spring season.

"We hope to shave off four to five strokes per player (compared to last year)," Watkins said, "and finish better in each match. We have already done that."

The Blue Devils return six players from last year's squad, and add seven more players that had solid high school careers.

Returning are: Adam Chandler (Jr, Burnsville, Minn), Tyler Mahlik (So, Clintonville), Charlie Mann (So, St. Michael, Minn), Marc Nickolaus (So, Cottage Grove, Minn), Geoff Pirkl (Jr, Stoughton) and Paul Speltz (So, Winona, Minn).

Pirkl finished with Stout's top average last season, averaging around a 77 in the fall and a 76 in the spring. Watkins said Pirkl worked hard on his game over the summer, and also worked in the golf industry.

Speltz was Stout's most consistent player last year, and has shown the same consistency already this short season.

"Paul was steady last year," Watkins said, "and is steady again this year, but a couple of strokes better."

Mahlik was the most pleasant surprise for the Blue Devils last spring. Mahlik did not play last fall, then scored an 86 in his first competitive round in the spring. The next day, Mahlik dropped into the mid-70s, and stayed there for the remaining three rounds of the season.

Chandler appears to be more ready to play this season, Watkins said. Chandler had a frustrating first season, but worked hard throughout the summer and turned in a very good round during the tryout tournament in August.

"Adam is a second year guy who we expect to have a much improved year," Watkins said.

Mann and Nickolaus both played last season, and should figure into the mix this year.

The seven newcomers to the program - Derek Holmes (So, Anoka, Minn), Matt Fiedler (Fr, Plymouth, Minn), Sheldon Haedtke (Fr, Winona, Minn), Andy Smith (Fr, Grand Marais, Minn), Dieter Zuehlke (So, Osseo), Logan Stelter (Fr, Park Falls) and Bobby Kempainen (Fr, Bloomington, Minn) - will make an impact on the team.

Holmes attended San Diego Golf Academy for two years and looks to be Stout's No. 1 player. Fiedler had a lot of success over his high school career and placed in the top 20 at Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Association Tournament of Champions this summer. Haedtke was highly recruited, but attended Stout to be a part of the golf enterprise management program. As an amateur, Haedtke did well on the local Chippewa Valley Golf Association tour this past summer, winning the Osseo Open, then finishing second the following week at the Chippewa Valley Golf Open, the site of Stout's home course.

Zuehlke transferred from the University of St. Thomas after playing a year with the Toms.

Smith, Stelter and Kampainen all had very good high school careers and will get a good look at collegiate golf.

Watkins said the team's goal is to continue to get better and get recognized in the regional rankings.

"Last year we were ranked 22nd regionally," Watkins said. "We would be happy to get to No. 10 or 11. We want to move up in the fall and make a run in the spring to at least be considered (for NCAA post season play)."

Stout did receive some recognition in the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) preseason Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches poll. The Blue Devils received one vote. A good starting point.

Partial roster announced for 2007-08 season

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MENOMONIE (September 1, 2007) - Eight players have been selected for the 2007-08 men's golf team and several players will be invited to participate in a playoff to fill the two remaining roster spots. These two invitees will be contacted via telephone or by e-mail by Sunday, Sept. 2.

All players listed below and playoff participants are required to attend a team meeting Monday, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. in Room 217 of the Sports & Fitness Center.

The Blue Devils open the 2007 fall season by participating in the Auggie Fall Invitational, Sept. 9-10.

UW-Stout Men's Golf Roster