Golfstat Live Scoring

NORMAL, Ill. (9/23/2012) -- Junior Brendan Leonard carded a career low and the Titans once again posted one of the best rounds on the day as the men's golf team finished in sixth place at the D.A. Weibring Intercollegiate. The event, played at the Par 71, 6,915-yard Weibring Golf Club, was the fall opener for UDM.

“It was a real good first tournament,” said head coach Mark Engel. “We didn't pick an easy course or any easy teams for our first tournament.  The guys did a good job considering we had three freshmen in the group, but they all played well.”

Detroit finished with a 906 (318, 291, 297), just four strokes behind fifth-place Wisconsin. No. 30 Illinois won the event with an 870, while Central Arkansas (891), host Illinois State (893) and Missouri State (894) rounded out the top four.

“We left some shots out there and we know that,” said Coach Engel.  “We will try and get that taken care off before we get to Cleveland, but overall, we finished well in a very good field. “

Leonard – who opened the tournament with an 82 in the first round – came back to tie for 18th after tallying a 2-over 73 in the second and a career-best 2-under 69 today. He ended with a 224 as his career round included three birdies in his first five holes and four total on the final 18. In the final two rounds of the event, he played to an even-par performance, knocking in seven birdies with 23 pars. 

“I was just feeling it,” said Leonard. “I figured some things out and I was able to make a switch in what I was doing.”

Senior Simon Reyers tied for 28th with a 226 (80, 71, 75) as his find round included 12 pars and a pair of birdies.

“Lenny was completely in control the whole day,” said Coach Engel. “Simon picked up right where he left off last year.”

Freshman Wil Wittmann shared 32nd with a three-round 228 (76, 73, 79) scorecard, while two other rookies in Aaron Knutson and Josh Shaw tied for 62nd after recording a 238. Knutson really played well in the final round tallying a 3-over 74.

“Good to see Aaron bounce back after a slow start yesterday to a very helpful round today,” added Coach Engel.

Detroit will return to the links for a week of practice before heading to Cleveland, Ohio, for the Cleveland State Invitational. The two-day tournament will begin on Monday, Oct. 1, at the Canterbury Golf Club.