Scots Tie for Third at Muskingum Invite, Highlighted By Van Horn’s 69

Andy Van Horn

Andy Van Horn became the first College of Wooster golfer in over two years to shoot under 70, as the freshman carded a 69 on day two of the Muskingum College Invitational to lead the Scots to a tie for third-place in the final standings at this past weekend’s (March 26-27) 13-team event in Zanesville, Ohio.

As a team, Wooster totaled 591, including 13 strokes lower on Saturday (289), as did Calvin College, while Otterbein College (576) beat out Ohio Wesleyan University (583) for the team championship. Also wrapping up under 600 was Muskingum College (596) in fifth-place.

Van Horn, who entered the tournament averaging 77.5, shot a 76 on Friday, but cut seven strokes off his score to finish below par Saturday at the par-70, 6508-yard Eaglesticks Golf Course. Matt Elliott was the previous Scot to shoot in the 60s, turning in a 68 at the Powerade Fall Collegiate on Oct. 13, 2001.

While Van Horn tied for fifth individually, junior teammate Michael Tilden also was in the top-10, as he tied for seventh-place with rounds of 75 and 71. Also playing well for Wooster were junior Joe Punturi, who scored both days (75-73) and finished in a tie for 13th overall, and sophomore Brandon Tylka, who tied for 19th-place after turning in back-to-back 76s.

The lone Scot to struggle at the Muskingum Invitational was junior Chris Billow, who shot 82 and 86 to place 61st.

Wooster continues its spring schedule at the Kenyon Cup Invitational next Saturday and Sunday (April 3-4).