Burks Tops Whit Golfers at Spokane Invite

News Release Date:
Monday, October 5

WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- Freshman Geoff Burks shot a 4-over par 76 to pace the Whitman College men's golf team in Monday's final round of the  Whitworth Invitational at the Spokane (Wash.) Country Club.

"Geoff struggled to find his game on Sunday, but he figured out the speed of the greens on Monday and also hit more fairways," Whitman golf coach Peter McClure said.

Combined with his 84 on Sunday, Burks finished with a 160 total, tied for 15th.

Whitman's best 36-hole score was posted by junior Max Rausch, who shot 82 on Monday after an opening-round 77 to finish at 159, tied for 13th.

Brian Barton, also a junior, shot 79 in the closing round for a 164 total. Senior Steve Campbell finished at 167 after an 82 on Monday. 

Sophomore John Abercombie carded an 85 in round two, wrapping up the tournament at 169. Senior Grant Brandal closed out the tourney with a 91 to finish at 176.

Whitman was fifth in the team scoring with two-round total of 649 for its top four golfers. Whitworth was first with a 610 total, edging Linfield by three strokes. George Fox and Pacific finished six and fives shots, respectively, in front of Whitman. Pacific Lutheran was sixth at 650.

"The course and the weather got to us quite a bit this past weekend, but the guys are upbeat," McClure said. "We're looking to improve considerably at the next tournament."

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CONTACT: Dave Holden
Sports Information Director
Whitman College, Walla Walla, Wash.
509 527-5902; holden@whitman.edu