Cougars Tie fifth in the home tournament

MADISON, Ill. The 2021 SIUE Derek Dolenc Invitational game ended Tuesday at Gateway National Golf Links in Madison, Illinois.

Anthony Ruthey earned the first ten places of his career and TJ Baker ended exactly 11^th helps lead SIUE in fifth place. SIUE on an equal footing with the State of Missouri.

“Great tournaments from Anthony and TJ, Anthony ranked in the top ten and TJ just outside,” head coach SIUE Derrick Brown said. “They had really great performances today as well. TJ had the day’s weak bogey-free 68 and Anthony 71. That’s what you expect at the top of your lineup.”

Ruthey finished exactly eighth in 214th place (72-71-71). His 214 is the lowest 54-hole ensemble of his career and among the lowest in SIUE. The final round of 68 leveled the lowest level of Baker’s career and led to a draw of 11^th at 216.

Brooks Jungbluth and Tanner Collins exactly 42^second at 226. Luke Ludwig exactly 60^th at 230.

Individuals Presley Mackelburg and Bensen Tyrrell ended exactly 67^th and 80, respectively.

“We’ll be back to work and getting ready for UT Martin in just a few days,” Brown added.

UT Martin won the team title for the second time in a row. The Skyhawks turned 855 to pass the field with 12 strokes. UT Martin also won the tournament in 2019, for the last time. Weber State ranked second in 867.

UT Martin’s Garrett Chumley took home personal medals, eight under 205.

Brown thanked the Gateway National staff for managing the tournament.

“It was a wildly successful tournament,” he said. “Coaches, players and everyone always enjoy the hospitality of Gateway.

Cougars head coach also praised the Derek Dolenc / SIUE Founders Club.

“Thanks to Kent Dolenc and all of his founding members for helping raise funds for this tournament,” he added. “They make it a first-class event for incoming teams, coaches and families.”