2020-21 Men's Golf

Placed 9th in the GPAC (342-330-315-321--1,308) | Season Stats

Date Event Location Result
Sept. 8-9 Blue River Classic Beatrice/Lincoln, Neb. 9 of 13
Sept. 14-15 Siouxland Invite Sioux Center/Orange City, Iowa 7 of 13
Sept. 21-22 Ottawa University Fall Invite Eagle Bend GC | Lawrence, Kan. 5 of 9
Sept. 28-29 GPAC Men's Golf Championship Indian Creek GC | Elkhorn, Neb. 9 of 11
Oct. 9-10 Nebraska Intercollegiate Norfolk CC | Norfolk, Neb. 6 of 8
       
March 26-27 Doane University Invite Eagle/Crete, Neb. 5 of 10
April 10 Bulldog-Tiger Cup Highlands GC | Lincoln, Neb. L, 9-11
April 15 Red Raider Cup Landsmeer GC | Orange City, Iowa 7 of 14
April 19-20 Briar Cliff Spring Invite Dakota Dunes, S.D. CANCELED
April 23 Union College JV Tournament Holmes GC | Lincoln, Neb. Results
April 26-27 GPAC Men's Golf Championship Dakota Dunes GC | Dakota Dunes, S.D. 9 of 11

2020-21 Men's Golf Roster

Name Year Hometown Previous School
Nathan Auffet So. Benkelman, Neb. Dundy County HS
Tyler Bartels Fr. Tecumseh, Neb. Johnson County HS
Drew D'Ercole Fr. Papillion, Neb. Papillion La-Vista South HS
Harrison Helmer Jr. Seward, Neb. Seward HS
Taylor Johnson Fr. Council Bluffs, Iowa Lewis Central HS
Gavin McWhorter Fr. Loveland, Colo. Mountain View HS
Jayden Neal Jr. North Platte, Neb. North Platte HS
Nick Sandoval Jr. Chula Vista, Calif. Otay Ranch HS
Max Svoboda Fr. Mullen, Neb. Mullen HS
Landon Walkenhorst So. Arlington, Neb. Arlington HS
Jack Williams So. Hastings, Minn. Mankato State / Hastings HS
Jacob Woodmancy Fr. Grant, Neb. Perkins County HS
Ivan Yabut Fr. Omaha, Neb. Burke HS

STAFF

Brett Muller, Head Coach (10th Year)

Kaitlyn Howe, Graduate Assistant Coach

Season Preview: 2020-21 Concordia Men's Golf

September 3, 2020

Head Coach: Brett Muller (10th year)
2019-20 GPAC Finish: 7th (336-329–665)
Key Returners:  Drew D’Ercole (Fr.); Jayden Neal (Jr.); Jack Williams (So.).
Key Newcomers: Gavin McWhorter; Jacob Woodmancy; Ivan Yabut.
Key Losses: Jay Gunaseelan; Tylar Samek. 

Season Preview:

Unlike the women’s squad, the Concordia Men’s Golf team did have the luxury of participating in one event this past spring before COVID-19 caused all sporting events' premature cancellation.

“It was very disappointing last year,” Head Coach Brett Muller said. “Our men’s team had just returned from a spring break trip down in Arizona. We got back on a Thursday and basically, on Friday the whole NAIA had shutdown. We really did not have much closure as far as meeting with the team face to face. We did the best we could over zoom. We had team meetings via zoom throughout the rest of the second semester.  It was pretty unfortunate.”

According to the National Golf Foundation, Americans flocked to golf courses as rounds have been up 20 percent since the pandemic began. Many Bulldogs did the same as it represented a chance to improve their game and a sense of normalcy.

 “With campus getting shut down, we have had a lot of guys and girls play a lot of golf from the end of March through the summer,” Muller stated. “The one tough part is the courses are busier than they have been in the past but with the social distancing out of all sports it should be pretty attainable.”

Returning freshman (sophomore academically) Drew D’Ercole tried to make the best out of the situation by improving his game during the quarantine and summer periods.

“It was nice to be able to have classes online because it gave me a little more time in the spring to practice and play a little more,” D’Ercole said. “Having my brother and a couple of buddies around really helped motivate me to keep getting better over the summer and allowed for more swing change time. I was able to get more of a feel to get better for this season.”

After a seventh-place GPAC finish, the Concordia men’s squad is looking improve in 2020-2021. Although the Bulldogs lost Tylar Samek to graduation and Jay Gunaseelan transferred, Muller has high expectations in the returners’ and newcomers’ ability to step up and replace those roles.

“Very similar to our women’s side, losing Tylar Samek who was in our top five the last four years,” Muller said of his expectations. “He was a part of a lot of school records. He will be a tough guy to replace with the experience he has brought in the last four years. Looking at this year, we have a good mix of newcomers and returners. The returners have improved from last year, which is good to see. I think we have some freshmen who will be pushing for some of those top five spots.”

D’Ercole is expected to help pace the Bulldogs this season. The Papillion, Nebraska, product had a strong finish in the lone spring tournament as he recorded a career-best 12th place finish by carding a 5-over par 221.

“Drew had a fantastic spring. He worked very hard with his swing coach,” Muller said. “He really has high expectations for himself. He played a lot of amateur events this summer. He is very excited and has put in the extra time and work.”

The returning duo of sophomore Jack Williams and junior Jayden Neal are also expected to be significant factors, along with the returning trio of D’Ercole, Neal and Willams. Newcomers Gavin McWhorter, Jacob Woodmancy and Ivan Yabut are expected to provide a spark.

The Concordia men tee-off the 2020-2021 season on Sept. 8, at the Blue River Classic in Lincoln, Neb.

Concordia to co-host Blue River Classic starting Tuesday

September 7, 2020

SEWARD, Neb. – Ten teams and a total of 75 golfers will make up the field at the 2020 Blue River Classic, which will be co-hosted by the Concordia University Men’s Golf program along with Doane. The event will get started on Tuesday (Sept. 8) at Beatrice Country Club in Beatrice, Neb. In the second round on Wednesday, the action will shift to the home of the Bulldogs, Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb. The first tee times are set for 10 a.m. CT both days.

This will be the first event of the 2020 fall season for either the men’s or women’s teams, led by Brett Muller (entering his 10th season as head coach). The Bulldog men placed seventh in the GPAC during a COVID-shortened 2019-20 season. The squad’s top returner is Drew D’Ercole (freshman in terms of eligibility). D’Ercole shined at the Embry Riddle Spring Invite back in March by shooting a three-day total of 74-73-74–221.

D’Ercole will be one of 10 Bulldogs to compete in the Blue River Classic. Other key returners include the likes of Jack Williams (81.3 average in 2019-20) and Jayden Neal (84.2). A year ago, Concordia carded one of its best rounds of the season when it shot a 307 in round two of the Blue River Classic. Concordia placed ninth out of 16 teams at the 2019 event. The tournament winner was Iowa Western Community College.

Just in time for the Blue River Classic, temperatures are expected to dip into the 50s with rain chances on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

2020 Blue River Classic Field
Briar Cliff University
Concordia University
Dakota Wesleyan University
Doane University
Dordt University
Hastings College
Iowa Western Community College
University of Jamestown
Midland University
Mount Marty University

Follow@CUNEBulldogGolf and @cunebulldogs on Twitter for updates and information throughout the event.

Bulldogs card 356 on opening day of 2020-21 season

September 8, 2020

BEATRICE, Neb. – The Blue River Classic field of 75 golfers that opened up the 2020-21 collegiate golf season were greeted by unseasonably cool conditions on Tuesday (Sept. 8). Rain and strong winds played a role in higher scores across the board in round one of the event that played out at Beatrice Country Club in Beatrice, Neb. The top grouping for the Concordia University Men’s Golf Team shot a 356.

This marked the opening of Head Coach Brett Muller’s 10th season leading the Bulldog program. Ten golfers represented Concordia at the Blue River Classic. The Bulldogs will host the second and final round of the event on Wednesday.

In his first collegiate round, freshman Ivan Yabut of Omaha paced Concordia by shooting a 12-over-par 84. Yabut currently stands in a tie for 14th place. He led the Bulldog ‘A’ team that also included Jayden Neal (88; T-29th), Drew D’Ercole (90; T-38th), Jacob Woodmancy (94; T-48th) and Jack Williams (94; T-48th). D’Ercole is the team’s top returner after having produced a scoring average of 80.1 in 2019-20.

On the ‘B’ squad, Nathan Auffut turned in Concordia’s second best round of the day with an 87 (tied for 22nd place). The remainder of the second team featured Landon Walkenhorst (92; T-44th), Gavin McWhorter (97; T-58th), Harrison Helmer (102; T-70th) and Taylor Johnson (113; 73rd).

Ten different institutions were represented on Tuesday. Iowa Western Community College is the tournament leader after shooting a 331.

The first tee times on Wednesday are set for 10 a.m. CT from Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, home to the Bulldogs.

Concordia improves on day two of blustery Blue River

September 9, 2020

LINCOLN, Neb. – Another cold and dreary day of the Blue River Classic unfolded on Wednesday (Sept. 9) as the action shifted to Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, home of the Bulldogs. Scores improved across the board in conditions that were actually more favorable than what greeted the field of 74 golfers a day earlier. The Concordia University men’s golf team placed ninth out of 13 teams (representing 10 different institutions) at the meet it co-hosted with Doane.

After the Bulldog ‘A’ team shot a 356 on Tuesday, it slashed its score to 319 on Wednesday. It was the type of improvement Head Coach Brett Muller hopes his squad can build upon moving forward from the season opening tournament.

“Our guys shot better individually (on day two),” Muller said. “Conditions were much more favorable and it was a more favorable golf course for scoring. It was good to see the guys improve. We still left some shots out there, especially with our putting. Our short game and our putting will definitely be the focus. We have to tighten some things up there.”

Omaha native Ivan Yabut is clearly a welcome addition to the lineup. He carded a two-day total of 84-80–164 and placed in a tie for 22nd. Yabut may end up battling Drew D’Ercole for the No. 1 spot in the lineup this season. D’Ercole shook off yesterday’s 90 in tough conditions at Beatrice Country Club and shot a 75 on Wednesday. He finished one stroke behind Yabut and placed 27th.

The remainder of the ‘A’ team group featured Jayden Neal (88-83–171; T-40th), Jack Williams (94-81–175; T-48th) and Jacob Woodmancy (94-85–179; T-56th). A strong performer in 2019-20, Williams cut 13 strokes off his day one total.

Concordia also entered a second grouping into the event. Nathan Auffet made his pitch to move up into the varsity lineup by carding the lowest score of all Bulldogs. He placed in a tie for 15th while shooting 87-75–162. He was followed by Landon Walkenhorst (92-81–173; T-45th), Gavin McWhorter (97-85–182; T-61st), Harrison Helmer (102-82–184; T-65th) and Taylor Johnson (113-86–199; 73rd). Johnson had the biggest improvement of any Bulldog from day one to day two.

“I’m proud out of what we saw out of Ivan,” Muller said. “Gavin and Jacob both improved. Those guys can really push for a top five spot. I’m really proud of the way Nathan Auffet played. He’s really worked hard on his game and 75 is a great score out of him today.”

The Bulldogs will hope for better weather next week at the Siouxland Invite (Sept. 14-15) co-hosted by Dordt and Northwestern. The event will take place in both Sioux Center, Iowa, and Orange City, Iowa. Meanwhile, the women’s team is getting set to open up its season this Thursday and Friday at the Mount Marty Invite.

Concordia cards best round of season to date

September 14, 2020

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – The Concordia University Men’s Golf Team took another step forward on Monday (Sept. 14) by carding its best single-round score so far this fall. The Bulldog ‘A’ team shot a 314 while in action on day one of two at the Siouxland Invite co-hosted by Dordt and Northwestern. Monday’s round was played at The Ridge in Sioux Center, Iowa.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad sits in seventh place out of 14 teams (eight different institutions represented). Concordia entered both an A and a B squad into the meet.

With 18 holes in the books, freshman Ivan Yabut leads the way for the Bulldogs. He shot a three-over-par 74 on Monday and is currently tied for ninth place out of 69 golfers. The Omaha native eagled on six and birdied 18. Two other Concordia players shot in the 70s: Landon Walkenhorst (78; T-26th) and Jayden Neal (79; T-32nd). The rest of the ‘A’ team included Drew D’Ercole (83; T-44th) and Nate Auffet (84; T-49th).

The second grouping of Bulldogs was paced by Jack Williams and Jacob Woodmancy, who both shot an 83 (+12). Next in line were Taylor Johnson (84; T-49th) and Harrison Helmer (88; 59th). Their scores computed to a team total of 338 (12th place).

The Siouxland Invite is the second tournament of the year for Concordia, which co-hosted the Blue River Classic with Doane last week. The Bulldogs shot a two-round total of 356-319–675 at the event.

The site for Tuesday’s round of the Siouxland Invite will be Landsmeer Golf Course in Orange City, Iowa, home to Northwestern. Results can be followed via Golf Genius (tournament ID is 2020SIOUX).

Bulldogs place seventh at Siouxland Invite

September 15, 2020

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The Concordia University Men’s Golf Team has wrapped up its second tournament of the fall season. The Bulldogs held their seventh-place positioning in round two of the Siouxland Invite held Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 14-15) and co-hosted by Dordt and Northwestern. The field descended upon The Ridge (Sioux Center) and Landsmeer Golf Club (Orange City) and featured mostly GPAC squads.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad shot a two-round total of 314-321–635 (+67). That score marked a significant improvement the 356-319–675 total from last week’s Blue River Classic played in rainy and windy conditions.

“The wind blew a little bit harder today compared to yesterday,” Muller said. “We really struggled on the par 3’s today, causing our team score to rise. Overall, we struggled putting the last two days. Our short game will be the focus heading into next week. I thought Ivan (Yabut) played pretty solid both days. Drew (D’Ercole) made five birdies today, but had two double-bogeys that cost him.”

In the season to date, Yabut has been the team’s top performer (season 18-hole average of 79.0 through four rounds). He wound up placing in a tie for 21st out of 69 golfers at the Siouxland Invite while carding a total of 74-78–152 (+10). As the team’s No. 2 golfer, D’Ercole cut eight strokes off his total from Monday (83-75–158) and moved up into a tie for 31st on the individual leaderboard.

The Bulldogs entered two groupings (nine total golfers) into the tournament. In addition to Yabut and D’Ercole, the ‘A’ team included Jayden Neal (79-84–163; T-43rd), Landon Walkenhorst (78-85–163; T-43rd) and Nate Auffet (84-84–168; T-51st).

The next Concordia grouping of four featured Jacob Woodmancy (83-78–161; T-36th), Jack Williams (83-80–163; T-43rd), Taylor Johnson (84-84–168; T-51st) and Harrison Helmer (88-86–174; T-58th).

The Siouxland Invite included golfers from six GPAC opponents: Briar Cliff, Dordt, Hastings, Morningside, Mount Marty and Northwestern. Northwestern-St. Paul also participated in the event.

The Bulldogs now look forward to the Ottawa University Fall Invite next Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 21-22) at Eagle Bend Golf Course in Lawrence, Kan. Action is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. CT both days.

New season low set on first day of Ottawa Invite

September 21, 2020

LAWRENCE, Kan. – It was a good day to go low. The Concordia University Men’s Golf team carded a season best score of 304 on Monday (Sept. 21) while in action at the Ottawa Fall Invitational, which is being held at Eagle Bend Golf Course in Lawrence, Kan. After round one of two in Lawrence, the Bulldogs find themselves seven strokes out of first place in a tight race at the top.

This marks the third event of the fall season for Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad. Each tournament has been a two-day event. Heading into Tuesday’s action, Concordia sits in fifth place behind Kansas Wesleyan University (297), Park University (298), Metropolitan Community College (299) and Rockhurst University (302).

The team score got a major boost from having three individuals shoot 75 or lower (par 72). Drew D’Ercole and Jayden Neal are both just one stroke off the individual lead after shooting 73s. That score represents a career best for both D’Ercole and Neal. Right on their heels is teammate Ivan Yabut, who turned in a 75 and is tied for 11th place in a field of 64 golfers. The remainder of the lineup included Nate Auffet (83; T-44th) and Landon Walkenhorst (84; T-48th).

Three additional Bulldogs golfed individually: Jack Williams (85; T-51st), Jacob Woodmancy (90; 59th) and Harrison Helmer (93; 61st).

Prior to Monday, Concordia had shot 18-hole team scores of 356, 319, 314 and 321, respectively, through its first four fall rounds. The team total of 304 was the best for the program since shooting a 303 at the Siouxland Invitational a year ago.

Action will resume from Eagle Bend at 8:40 a.m. CT on Tuesday. This will be the final time out before the fall portion of the GPAC Championships take place next Monday-Tuesday (Sept. 28-29) in Elkhorn, Neb.

Four Bulldogs shoot in 70s as team places fifth

September 22, 2020

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Concordia University Men’s Golf team put together a solid two-day run in Lawrence, Kan. Four Bulldogs shot in the 70s on Tuesday (Sept. 22) in paving the way to a fifth-place team finish (out of nine squads) at the Ottawa Fall Invitational. The two-round tournament unfolded at Eagle Bend Golf Course, which was conducive to low scoring.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad carded a 36-hole total of 304-311–615. Concordia entered the day seven strokes out of first place. It finished 19 strokes behind tournament champion Kansas Wesleyan University.

“We played a lot more consistent in the last two days – a lot more of what we would expect as far as individual and team scores go,” Muller said. “I definitely thought we took a step forward. Drew (D’Ercole) and Jayden (Neal) both finishing in the top 10 was good to see.

“That was our first time (at that course). We practiced on Sunday afternoon and it was definitely a course the guys liked. We’ll look at going down there in the future. It was nice to play with some different guys outside of the GPAC footprint.”

D’Ercole and Neal both either equaled or outperformed their career bests in a single round by shooting 73s on Monday. D’Ercole (73-77–150) and Neal (73-78–151) were neck and neck on the individual leaderboard, which included 64 golfers. D’Ercole placed seventh and Neal 10th. It was the first career top-10 tournament placement for Neal.

Freshman Ivan Yabut just missed the top 10 by carding a two-round score of 75-77–152 (tied for 17th). He was followed in the lineup by Nate Auffet (83-79–162; T-39th) and Landon Walkenhorst (84-84–168; T-51st). Three Bulldogs competed as individuals: Jack Williams (85-79–164; T-44th), Jacob Woodmancy (90-89–179; 59th) and Harrison Helmer (93-95–188; 63rd).

The fall portion of the GPAC Championships are up next. Concordia will be at Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn, Neb., next Monday-Tuesday (Sept. 28-29) for conference action. The Bulldogs placed seventh in the GPAC last season.

GPAC Championships coming Monday-Tuesday for men's golf

September 24, 2020

Follow live: https://www.golfgenius.com/ (GGID = 2021MGPAC)

SEWARD, Neb. – After three regular-season tournaments, the Concordia University Men’s Golf team now preps for the fall portion of the 2020-21 GPAC Championships. Two rounds of conference action will unfold next Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 28-29) at Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn, Neb. Golf is slated to get underway at 10 a.m. CT both days.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad is six rounds deep into the fall 2020 season. Most recently, the Bulldogs placed fifth out of nine teams at the Ottawa University Fall Invite earlier this week. Concordia put together its best work so far this season by carding a two-round total of 304-311–615 while navigating Eagle Bend Golf Course in Lawrence, Kan. The team 18-hole average currently stands at 320.8. Concordia also competed at the Blue River Classic (356-319–675) and the Siouxland Invitational (314-321–635).

From an individual standpoint, Concordia has had a close competition at the top of the lineup. In terms of season average, the top performing Bulldogs have been Ivan Yabut (78.0), Drew D’Ercole (78.8), Jayden Neal (80.8) and Nate Auffet (82.0). Both D’Ercole and Neal either equaled or re-set their own personal best single-round scores by shooting a 73 in the first round of the Ottawa Invite. D’Ercole placed seventh and Neal finished 10th. D’Ercole (150), Neal (151) and Yabut (152) were each within two strokes of each other at the two-day event.

Concordia will attempt to move up from its seventh place GPAC positioning in 2019-20. Last season, the conference did not hold its spring conference championship rounds due to the pandemic. The conference lineup last season featured Tylar Samek (80-81–161; T-20th), Jayveenrahj Gunaseelan (82-81–163; T-26th), Jack Williams (89-80–169; 38th), D’Ercole (85-87–172; 39th) and Landon Walkenhorst (101-98–199; 51st). The top 15 finishers automatically earn All-GPAC honors.

Following the GPAC Championships, the Bulldogs will close their fall season with the Nebraska Intercollegiate at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk, Neb., Oct. 9-10. The spring 2021 schedule is yet to be announced.

Concordia in ninth after round one of GPAC Championships

September 28, 2020

ELKHORN, Neb. – The Concordia University Men’s Golf team has work to do at the conclusion of the first round of the GPAC Men’s Golf Championships. The Bulldogs carded a score of 342 in Monday (Sept. 28)’s action that took place at Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn, Neb. Concordia had three previous two-day tournaments this fall to prep for the most significant event of the semester.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad stands in ninth place in the conference standings, putting it above Hastings and Mount Marty. Morningside owns the team lead thanks to a 295 on Monday.

The Bulldogs have hopes of moving up from their seventh-place positioning in the GPAC last season. Drew D’Ercole put together the team’s best round on Monday by carding an eight-over-par 80. He is currently tied for 23rd on an individual leaderboard that includes 54 golfers. The other three individuals who counted towards the Concordia team score were Jack Williams (85; T-38th), Ivan Yabut (87; T-41st) and Jayden Neal (90; T-45th). Nate Auffet totaled a 93.

Indian Creek is the same site of the two rounds of the GPAC Championships that took place last fall. Concordia turned in a 36-hole score of 336-329–665 a year ago. D’Ercole and Williams also made up part of the group of five last season.

The Bulldogs will resume play at Indian Creek at 10 a.m. CT on Tuesday. The third and fourth rounds of the conference championships are slated to be played at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D., in the spring of 2021.

Bulldogs remain in ninth after round two of GPAC Championships

September 29, 2020

GPAC Release

ELKHORN, Neb. – From Monday to Tuesday’s (Sept. 28-29) round, the Concordia University Men’s Golf team cut 12 strokes off its total. However, it wasn’t enough to move out of ninth place in the conference leaderboard. That’s where the Bulldogs stand with 36 holes of GPAC Championships action in the books. The first two rounds of conference play were contested at Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn, Neb.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad turned in a two-round total of 342-330–672. The program is coming off a seventh-place GPAC finish in 2019-20.

“We didn’t play as well as a team as we thought we would,” Muller said. “There’s a gap in the standings where we’re at compared to the rest of the pack. I definitely hope it motivates us to work hard and close that gap in the spring season.”

With a good run next spring, Drew D’Ercole could still potentially jump into a top 15 spot required for all-conference honors. He is currently in 28th place (out of 55 GPAC golfers) with a score of 80-82–162. For comparison’s sake, the top individual in the GPAC is Morningside’s Jonny Douglas with his 72-67–139. It took a score of 151 or lower to hold down a top 10 spot in the conference.

The remainder of the Concordia lineup included Jack Williams (85-84–169; T-38th), Jayden Neal (90-83–173; T-42nd), Ivan Yabut (87-86–173; T-42nd) and Nate Auffet (93-81–174; T-44th). Of the five Bulldogs who competed at the conference championships, D’Ercole and Williams owned previous GPAC tournament experience having played in the event last year.

Before packing up the clubs for the remainder of the fall semester, the Bulldogs are scheduled to compete at the Nebraska Intercollegiate next Friday and Saturday (Oct. 9-10) at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk, Neb. Dates for the spring GPAC Championships have not yet been announced, but the final two rounds will be held at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D.

Bulldogs card 313 on first day of Nebraska Intercollegiate

October 9, 2020

NORFOLK, Neb. – Bragging rights within the state of Nebraska are on the line this weekend at the annual Nebraska Intercollegiate. In Friday (Oct. 9)’s first round, the Concordia University Men’s Golf team shot a score of 313. The event is being staged at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk, Neb., and will continue with the final round on Saturday.

Head Coach Brett Muller traveled two teams of five to Norfolk. Concordia’s first team is currently in fourth place behind Bellevue (282), Nebraska Wesleyan (296) and Doane (300). The second grouping of Bulldogs shot a score of 330.

Four of the 10 Concordia players shot scores in the 70s (par 72 course) on Friday. On the Bulldog ‘A’ team, Drew D’Ercole (74; T-8th), Ivan Yabut (76; T-12th) and Jayden Neal (78; T-18th) led the way. In addition, Jacob Woodmancy turned in a 79 (T-21st). The tournament field features 45 individual golfers.

Other Concordia individuals at the Nebraska Intercollegiate include Gavin McWhorter (80; T-24th), Landon Walkenhorst (85; T-33rd), Jack Williams (85; T-33rd), Harrison Helmer (86; T-35th) and Nate Auffet (87; T-38th). This marked the second time this fall that the Bulldogs enjoyed a day in which four or more individuals shot scores in the 70s.

Concordia was coming off the GPAC Men’s Golf Championship that was played Sept. 28-29. The Bulldogs are currently in ninth place in the conference standings. The fall season will come to an end on Saturday with the second round of the Nebraska Intercollegiate. Action will begin with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. CT from Norfolk.

D'Ercole claims top 10 finish as fall season concludes

October 10, 2020

NORFOLK, Neb. – The fall season is now in the books for the Concordia University Golf programs. The men had one last fall outing while taking part in this weekend’s (Oct. 9-10) Nebraska Intercollegiate tournament. The event was staged at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk, Neb., and featured five different Nebraska institutions and 45 individual golfers. The highlight for the Bulldogs was delivered by Drew D’Ercole, who placed eighth.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s ‘A’ grouping carded a two-round score of 313-329–642 and placed sixth out of eight squads (three schools entered two teams, including Concordia).

“I’m really proud of the way Drew finished off the fall season,” Muller said. “He was disappointed with the way he played at GPAC last week. He played with a lot of confidence the last two days. Another highlight from the last two days was Jacob Woodmancy. He played very well tee to green and finished the fall strong.”

A native of Papillion, Neb., D’Ercole entered the weekend with a season 18-hole average of 79.4. He outperformed that figure by shooting a two-round score of 74-75–149 at the Nebraska Intercollegiate. He finished eight strokes in back of the tournament champion, Hugo Ronnberg of Bellevue. The Bruins were also the winner of the tournament team title.

Woodmany was the next best Bulldog with a score of 79-76–155. He placed 18th individually while starring for Concordia’s ‘B’ team. On the first grouping of Bulldogs, D’Ercole was followed by Jayden Neal (78-83–161; 25th), Ivan Yabut (76-87–163; T-28th), Nate Auffet (87-84–171; 35th) and Jack Williams (85-87–172; T-36th).

On the ‘B’ team, Woodmancy was trailed by Gavin McWhorter (80-86–166; 31st), Tyler Bartels (92-83–175; T-40th), Harrison Helmer (86-90–176; 42nd) and Landon Walkenhorst (85-94–179; 43rd).

Concordia Men’s Golf competed in five tournaments (10 total rounds) this fall. The Bulldogs will enter the spring of 2021 in ninth place in the GPAC standings. The spring schedule has not yet been announced. The final 36 holes of conference action are set to be played at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D., on dates to be determined.

Schedule release: 2021 Men’s Golf

December 15, 2020

SEWARD, Neb. – The 2021 Concordia University Men’s golf schedule has been announced as of Tuesday (Dec. 15). The campaign's official start will be on March 26 as the Bulldogs travel to Eagle, Neb., to compete at the Doane University Invite. Tee time is set for noon CT.

The 2020 season will mark Head Coach Brett Muller’s tenth season at Concordia. He guided the men’s program to a seventh-place finish at the 2019 GPAC Fall Championships. The Bulldogs did get the opportunity to compete in one spring tournament (Embry Riddle Spring Invite) during 2020 before COVID-19 wiped out the rest of the schedule. Concordia’s top returnee Drew D’Ercole carded a 12th place during the lone spring event.

Concordia will compete in four official regular-season tournaments (prior to the GPAC Championships). The Bulldogs do not have a home tournament in 2021. However, they compete in York on April 10, when they take on Doane in the Bulldog Tiger Cup.

The GPAC Championships will take place at Dakota Dunes Golf Course in Dakota Dunes, S.D., on April 26-27. The NAIA National Championships will conclude the spring slate. Times for the NAIA National Championships have yet to be announced.

 

2021 Spring Schedule
3/26-27 – Doane University Invite
4/10 – Bulldog Tiger Cup
4/12-13 – Northwestern College Match Play
4/19-20 – BCU Spring Invite
4/26-27 – GPAC Championship

D'Ercole wins first career title in first spring outing

March 28, 2021

By Toby Semler

CRETE, Neb. – The Concordia University Men’s Golf team kicked off the spring portion of its season Doane Spring Invite that played out Friday and Saturday (March 26-27). The two-day invitational took place on different courses with the first day starting on Woodland Hills Golf Course in Eagle, Neb. and the second day finishing on College Heights Golf Course in Crete. The event featured 10 teams including conference opponents such as Doane, Dordt, and Midland. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Freshman Drew D’Ercole who ended up taking home the top spot in the tournament.

The Bulldog’s finished the tournament tied for fifth place (four schools entered both a junior varsity and a varsity team including Concordia).

“I’m really proud of Drew for earning his first career win,” Muller said. “The last two days his game around the greens was lights out. He’s really worked hard the last couple of months on that. It’s great to see his hard work pay off. Another bright spot was Taylor Johnson shooting his lowest career score. We need more consistency from the number two through five spots in the lineup – that will be the focus in practice.”

A native of Papillion, Neb., D’Ercole finished the tournament at just three over par with a two-round score of 73-73–146. That number actually tied with Geronimo Narizzano of Southeast Community College. It took two playoff holes before D’Ercole persevered with a birdie to win it.

The next highest finisher for the Bulldogs was junior Jayden Neal. Neal shot a two-round total of 78-83–161 and finished tied for 18th. The next best performers on the team were Jacob Woodmancy (79-83–162; T-20th), Landon Walkenhorst (84-84–168; 33rd), Nathan Auffut (88-82–170; T-35th), Johnson (90-80–170; T-35th) and Gavin McWhorter (85-85–170; T-35th).

After entering the spring sitting in ninth place in the GPAC standings, the Bulldogs look ahead to their next day on the course. That day will be April 10 when Concordia will host the Bulldog-Tiger Cup at Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb.

Dawgs card season's two lowest rounds in 36-hole event

April 15, 2021

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Instead of the originally scheduled match play event, the Concordia University Men’s Golf team competed in 36 holes of stroke play at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa, on Thursday (April 15). The yields were the two lowest rounds of the 2020-21 season for the Bulldogs, who carded scores of 295 and 297. The Concordia ‘A’ team placed seventh (295-297–592) out of 14 total squads in the tournament dubbed the Red Raider Cup (hosted by Northwestern).

Head Coach Brett Muller hopes his squad can gain confidence and build upon the season best outing. Seven of the nine Bulldogs in action either equaled or eclipsed career lows for a single round. This marked the first tournament style event for the Bulldogs since March 26-27.

“Overall we had some solid scores today,” Muller said. “It’s not very often when we are able to play with little to no wind and I think the guys took advantage of that. The course was set up a little bit shorter and the guys had more birdie opportunities today. We had several guys record season and career bests. I hope we can carry some of this momentum into next Monday at Dakota Dunes. It will be a great test and is an awesome host for our GPAC Championships.”

Out of the nine Bulldogs, leading the way was the team’s most consistent performer, Drew D’Ercole. He placed in a tie for 18th on the individual leaderboard with a total of 73-71–144 (even par). The 71 in round two marked a career low for the native of Papillion, Neb. D’Ercole’s spring also featured a tournament title at the Doane Spring Invite.

The remainder of the Concordia varsity top five included Jacob Woodmancy (72-76–148; T-29th), Ivan Yabut (76-74–150; T-37th), Gavin McWhorter (76-74–150; T-37th) and Nate Auffet (78-80–158; T-54th). New career single-round scores were carded by Woodmancy (72), Yabut (tied with 74) and McWhorter (74).

The Bulldog ‘B’ team included Jack Williams (70-78–148; T-29th), Taylor Johnson (79-71–150; T-37th), Harrison Helmer (77-84–161; T-61st) and Landon Walkenhorst (85-85–170; 66th). Among this group of Bulldogs, career low rounds were produced by Williams (70), Johnson (71) and Helmer (tied with 77).

The two-round total of 592 came up just shy of the school record of 583 for a 36-hole event. That score was achieved during the 2017-18 season. The school record for a single round is 288.

As mentioned by Muller, Concordia will be at Dakota Dunes Country Club next week with the Briar Cliff Spring Invite taking place April 19-20. It will be the final varsity outing of the spring before the Bulldogs return to Dakota Dunes for the GPAC Championships on April 26-27.

GPAC Preview: Bulldogs look to build upon season best performance

April 23, 2021

Current GPAC Standings (PDF)

SEWARD, Neb. – Coming off a season best outing at the Red Raider Cup, Concordia University Men’s Golf aims to continue that momentum at the GPAC Golf Championships this coming Monday and Tuesday (April 26-27). The action will take place at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D. The first two rounds of conference golf took place back in September in Elkhorn, Neb.

GPAC Spring Championships

April 26-27 | 10 a.m. (both days)
Dakota Dunes Country Club | Dakota Dunes, S.D.
Live scoring/tournament info: GPAC Website

By the numbers

·        During the 2019-20 season that included fall GPAC championship action only (spring canceled by COVID-19), the Bulldogs placed seventh in the GPAC (336-329–665). The top Concordia individual was Tylar Samek (80-81–161; T20th), who graduated last May. The varsity lineup has a much different look this season and has been led by Drew D’Ercole, who figures to move up from last season’s 39th place GPAC finish (85-87–172).

·        Currently, the Bulldogs reside in ninth place in the GPAC with a two-round score of 342-330–672 that was carded back in the fall in Elkhorn. The lineup for those two rounds featured D’Ercole (80-82–162; 28th), Jack Williams (85-84–169; T-38th), Jayden Neal (90-83–173; T-42nd), Ivan Yabut (87-86–173; T-42nd) and Nate Auffet (93-81–174; T-44th). Concordia will need a solid couple of rounds to catch the teams in front of them such as Dordt (625), Jamestown (628), Briar Cliff (635) and Dakota Wesleyan (635).

·        The conditions were favorable for low scoring on April 15 at the Red Raider Cup, the team’s most recent outing. Seven of the nine Bulldogs who competed in the event either equaled or eclipsed career lows for a single round. D’Ercole placed in a tie for 18th on the individual leaderboard with a total of 73-71–144 (even par). The 71 in round two marked a career low for the native of Papillion, Neb. D’Ercole’s spring has also featured a tournament title at the Doane Spring Invite. The remainder of the Concordia varsity top five included Jacob Woodmancy (72-76–148; T-29th), Ivan Yabut (76-74–150; T-37th), Gavin McWhorter (76-74–150; T-37th) and Nate Auffet (78-80–158; T-54th).

·        The team’s top five this season in terms of scoring average has been D’Ercole (76.7), Yabut (80.4), Neal (81.7), Woodmancy (82.0) and Auffet (83.2). The team scoring average in 14 rounds sits at 319.6. Concordia has shot seven rounds below that average this season with scores of 295, 297, 304, 311, 313, 314 and 319. Bulldog individuals have combined to shoot 40 rounds of 79 or lower.

·        The GPAC team champion (and individual medalist, if not on the winning team) receives an automatic bid to the 2021 NAIA Men’s Golf Championship, which will be held in Silvis, Ill., May 18-21. In the current standings, Morningside (586) is the conference leader with Doane (607), Northwestern (610) and Midland (613) following in the race.

D'Ercole cards career low; Bulldogs shoot 315 in GPAC round 3

April 26, 2021

DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. – In his second collegiate season, Drew D’Ercole keeps taking his game to new heights. The native of Papillion, Neb., carded a two-under-par 70 on Monday as the round three of the 2020-21 GPAC Golf Championship took place at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D., on Monday (April 26). As a whole, the Concordia University Men’s Golf team shot the seventh best score amongst its conference rivals and sits in ninth place overall.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad has carded a three-round GPAC score of 342-330-315–987 with 18 holes left to be played on Tuesday. Based on the current standings, the Bulldogs are likely to stay put in ninth place, but this week could serving as a momentum builder heading into next season.

D’Ercole has shot up from 28th at the close of the fall to a tie for 15th on the GPAC individual leaderboard. He’s now five strokes outside of the top 10 with a three-round total of 80-82-70–232. He entered this week with a team best season scoring average of 76.7.

The rest of the lineup on Monday included Ivan Yabut (80), Jacob Woodmancy (80), Gavin McWhorter (85) and Jayden Neal (85). On the GPAC leaderboard, Yabut (87-86-80–253) is in 35th place and Neal (90-83-85–258) is in 38th. In order to qualify for the overall leaderboard, individuals must place in every GPAC round. Back in the fall, Jack Williams (85-84) and Nate Auffet (93-81) also represented Concordia.

The Bulldogs came into the spring conference championships sporting an average team score of 319.6. Concordia was coming off a season best outing that saw it shoot a 297-295–592 at the Red Raider Cup hosted by Northwestern.

Action will pick back up from Dakota Dunes at 9 a.m. CT on Tuesday. It will mark the final round of the 2020-21 season for the Bulldogs, who placed seventh in the GPAC last season.

Concordia concludes season with ninth-place GPAC finish

April 28, 2021

Final GPAC Results

DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. – The 2020-21 season is in the books for Concordia University Men’s Golf. In the final round of the GPAC Championships played on Tuesday (April 27), the Bulldogs carded a team score of 321 and settled in at ninth place in the conference standings. From an individual perspective, Papillion, Neb., native Drew D’Ercole led the way for Concordia while placing 21st in the GPAC.

Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad concluded the conference tournament with a four-round total of 342-330-315-321–1,308. The Bulldogs beat out Hastings and Mount Marty.

“It was overcast and chilly and we didn’t play as well today,” Muller said. “Overall the scores a little bit higher across the board. Drew had a great round yesterday. The 85 today wasn’t what he wanted, but he had a great tournament and a really good season.”

In more adverse conditions, D’Ercole wasn’t able to duplicate the two-under-par 70 they he shot on Monday at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D. In terms of GPAC placing, D’Ercole went from 28th at the close of the fall to 15th after Monday before finally winding up just outside the top 20. He shot cumulative score of 80-82-70-85–317. He starred as the team scoring average leader all season and was the winner of the Doane Invite.

The next best individuals to qualify for the overall GPAC leaderboard (must play all four rounds) were Ivan Yabut, who placed 31st (87-86-80-75–328), and Jayden Neal, who finished 38th (90-83-85-88–346). Over the past two days, Jacob Woodmancy carded a score of 80-79–159 and Gavin McWhorter shot 85-82–167. Back in the fall, Jack Williams (85-84–169) and Nate Auffet (93-81–174) also represented Concordia. Neal’s career in the navy and white saw him play in 49 varsity rounds with a career average just above 83.0.

The 315 the Bulldogs turned in on Monday marked a season low for conference tournament action. Concordia entered this week with a team 18-hole average of 319.6. In the shortened 2019-20 campaign, the Bulldogs placed seventh in the conference.

Neal will graduate on move on, but Muller believes improvement will come in 2021-22 thanks to the returning nucleus combined with the incoming recruiting class. “We had a different lineup this week … Jayden Neal finished his career this week and we appreciate his contributions to the program. The other four guys should be back. We feel like we have the ability to have a better team next year with the guys returning and our freshmen coming in.”

D’Ercole chosen as All-GPAC honorable mention

May 10, 2021

Men’s Golf All-GPAC

SEWARD, Neb. – As the team’s top performer, Drew D’Ercole earned selection on the GPAC men’s golf all-conference list. D’Ercole collected honorable mention all-conference accolades, as announced by the GPAC on Monday (May 10). This marks D’Ercole’s first career All-GPAC award.

A freshman in terms of athletic eligibility (sophomore academically), D’Ercole placed 21st on the GPAC leaderboard with a four-round total of 80-82-70-85–317. His two-under-par 70 in round three of the GPAC Championships marked a career low. Over 16 total rounds in 2020-21, D’Ercole averaged an 18-hole score of 76.8 while leading the team. A major highlight of the season for the native of Papillion, Neb., was his tournament championship at the Doane Spring Invite (73-73–146). D’Ercole owns a career scoring average of 78.1 (27 rounds).

Head Coach Brett Muller’s men’s golf team placed ninth in the GPAC. The Bulldogs’ top two rounds of the season came in the middle of April when they shot 297-295–592 at the Red Raider Cup.

Schedule Release: Fall 2021 Men's Golf

Fall 2021 Men’s Golf Schedule

SEWARD, Neb. – The fall portion of the 2021-22 Concordia University Men’s Golf schedule has been announced (released on June 24). The fall slate features five events covering 10 total rounds. The new season will tee off Aug. 30-31 at the Mount Marty Invite in Yankton, S.D.

Head Coach Brett Muller will enter his 11th season leading the men’s and women’s golf programs. The men’s team is coming off a ninth-place GPAC finish in 2020-21. The Bulldogs will return top golfer Drew D’Ercole, who paced the squad with a season scoring average of 76.8. The highlight of his campaign was a tournament title at the Doane Spring Invite.

This fall, Concordia will again co-host the Blue River Classic (Sept. 8-9) with Doane. Day one action will take place at the home of the Bulldogs, Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb. Additional regular season tournaments will include the Siouxland Invite (Sept. 13-14) and the Nebraska Intercollegiate (Oct. 8-9). The fall GPAC Championships are slated to unfold Sept. 27-28 at Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn, Neb.

The spring 2022 schedule will be released at a later date. The NAIA sponsors its men’s golf national championship in the spring. TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., will serve as the venue for the 2022 national tournament (May 17-20).​​​​​​​