The men’s golf team returns to action this fall after a strong performance during the spring season. The Cardinals set a school record for lowest team score at the Mid-American Conference Championship where they took third place — the highest rank a Ball State team has received at the MAC Championship since 1993.
After the strong third-place finish at the meet, head coach Mike Fleck said the team looks to prepare for the championship during the fall season.
“We want to go into the spring believing we can win the conference,” Fleck said. “We have a core group of players returning, and I think it is very possible for us to do that.”
Only two players graduated, and the Cardinals’ top four finishers at the MAC Championship return to the squad this year. They will be led by team captains senior Patrick Wilkes-Krier and junior C.D. Hockersmith.
“I’m really proud of how those guys played last year, and I think they will bring that into the fall season,” Fleck said. “We’re returning a real strong team with strong leadership.”
Hockersmith returns to the team after a summer where he advanced deep in the USGA Amateur Public Links Championship. Hockersmith lost to teen sensation Michelle Wie in a six-and-five decision.
Wilkes-Krier and junior Wayne Denger return after being named to the All-MAC Second Team last season. Both were also named to the Academic All-MAC First Team.
All team members have been playing at various courses during the summer.
“We expect them to play competitive golf during the summer months to prepare for the season,” Fleck said. “I think they will be well-prepared because they have all done very well playing during the summer.”
Five freshmen join the team this year, and Fleck expects that they will play immediately.
“We tell them while we’re recruiting them that we expect them to come in and contribute right away,” Fleck said. “It’s a real good class, and I’m looking forward to seeing them play for us.”
The team plays one home invitational during the fall season at the Delaware Country club. The Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational is held on October 3 through 4. Hockersmith shined last year at the tournament, winning first place. The Cardinals finished third overall.
“I always look forward to that tournament because it’s home and a special tournament for us,” Fleck said.
The invitational is named after former Ball State golf coach Earl Yestingsmeier, who coached the Cardinals from 1962 until his retirement in 1998.
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