Winona Lake, IN — The Goshen College men’s golf team got the 2005 season off to a strong start Tuesday, as junior Joel Kauffman took medalist honors at the Grace College Invitational at Stonehenge Golf Course.

Kauffman, the Leafs’ top returning golfer from last season, fired a tournament-best 78 to take the individual title on one of the toughest courses in the state of Indiana.

“Joel has been playing some very good golf lately, and his score today is evidence of that,” said Cory Furman, Goshen head coach. “I caught up to him on the fourth hole, and he had chipped in for birdie. He had a look on his face, and I knew he was playing well.”

Kauffman did play well, and consistent, golf all afternoon long. His 39-39 tamed what Furman said is the toughest course Goshen will play all season long.

“When you take into account these greens and all of the heather and all of the carry holes, I don’t believe there’s a tougher course on our schedule,” Furman said. “There might be tighter courses, but none that can punish you like this one. You’ve got to have your A-game going to shoot anywhere near par out here.”

Kauffman was by far the brightest spot for the Leafs, as the team finished third (374 total strokes) as Grace took the team trophy (327) and Ancilla College second place (360).

Sophomore Ryan DeYoung carded a 91 for Goshen as the only other Leaf to break the 100 barrier. Senior Adam Orrick fired a 101 at the number three slot.

“Ryan could have scored a bit better, but for the first tournament of the season and on this course he’ll take it and move on,” Furman said. “Adam Orrick also was on the verge of making his set goal of 95. He had a rough go of it on the final par 3, and that kind of ruined his chances.”

Sophomore Tyler Springer scored a 104 in his first collegiate match, while senior Will Leichty fired a 109. Junior Tyler Roth fired a 128 in his first match, drawing an explanation from Furman.

“Tyler Roth’s score is not even close to the type of golfer he is,” Furman said. “He will shoot much, much better in the coming days.”

Goshen will get just a couple days to prepare for its lone home match of the season, as the team will host Mid-Central Conference foe University of St. Francis and Purdue University North Central Friday at Timber Ridge Golf Course. Match time is slated to begin at 11 a.m.

Goshen Results
Grace College Invitational
Stonehenge Golf Course

GOSHEN COLLEGE – (364) Kauffman, 39/39 78; DeYoung, 47/44 91; Orrick, 47/54 101; Springer, 53/51 104; Leichty, 58/51 109; Roth, 69/59 128