Michigan State University
Tanglewood Resort Pepsi-Cola Invitational
Men's Golf Dominates Field, Wins Pepsi-Cola Invitational
3/24/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
March 24, 2002
POTTSBORO, Texas - The Michigan State men's golf team won its first championship of the season Sunday (March 24), finishing first at the Pepsi-Cola Invitational at the Tanglewood Golf Course in Pottsboro, Texas. The Spartans dominated the competition and shot a three-round team score of 873 (295-291-287). Minnesota, the tournament runner-up, finished 23 strokes behind Michigan State.
"I think this is one of the most gratifying wins I have had as a coach," said coach Mark Hankins. "We came so far and totally outplayed our competition. It's nice to get a good solid win against quality teams."
Michigan State junior co-captain Eric Jorgensen (Big Rapids, Mich.) captured the individual championship as he carded 212 (74-70-68) and finished four shots under par. Despite strong winds, Jorgensen fired a 68 in Sunday's final round, which ties a career best for 18 holes.
"It's a great win for me and our team above all," said tournament champion Jorgensen. "Everybody has the same mind set and things are jelling well right now. I think this is one of the top accomplishments of my golf career."
Sophomore J.J. Beckstrom (North Muskegon, Mich.) finished in sixth place as he shot 219 (73-72-74) for the tournament.
Senior co-captain Nathan Clark (Mason, Mich.), the third Spartan to place in the top 10, finished with a 220 (73-74-73) and tied for 10th place. Junior John Koskinen (Baraga, Mich.) shot a 223 (75-76-72) and tied for 13th place.
Casey Lubahn (Sand Lake, Mich.), who competed unattached this weekend, finished in 15th place as he recorded a tournament score of 224 (72-73-79). Freshman Andrew Ruthkoski (Muskegon, Mich.) rounded out the weekend with a 232 (75-75-82).
Michigan State finished as the runner-up at the Big Red Classic in Florida (March 10). Last week (March 17), the Spartans finished fifth out of 14 teams at the Conrad Rehling Alabama Invitational. Michigan State returns to action April 12-14 at the Robert Kepler Invitational in Columbus, Ohio.
1. Michigan State 295-291-287 8732. Minnesota 295-303-298 896 Illinois 303-299-294 8964. Rollins College 297-298-302 8975. Penn State 303-305-296 9046. Wichita State 311-305-297 9137. Notre Dame 306-307-304 9178. Iowa 312-306-306 9249. Florida Gulf Coast 312-311-302 92510. Bowling Green 310-306-311 92711. Princeton 313-307-313 93312. De Paul 312-315-308 93513. Northern Illinois 319-316-313 948
Spartan Individuals
1. Eric Jorgensen 74-70-68 212T.6 J.J. Beckstrom 73-72-74 219T.10 Nathan Clark 73-74-73 220T.13 John Koskinen 75-76-72 22315 Casey Lubahn 72-73-79 22431 Andrew Ruthkoski 75-75-82 232
