The NCAA News - News and Features

May 25, 1998

Methodist sweeps top three spots for eighth title in III men's golf

Methodist continued its dominance in Division III men's golf, capturing its eighth title in nine years.

The Monarchs distanced themselves from the field in winning the team title by 36 strokes at the Division III Men's Golf Championships May 15 at the Jekyll Island Golf Club in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Otterbein, which held the lead after the first round, finished second after a third-place finish last year. Allegheny placed third this year, with Greensboro fourth and UC San Diego fifth.

Otterbein's first-round lead was one stroke better than Methodist and UC San Diego, but the Monarchs began to pull away in the second round as they took the lead by three strokes. In the pivotal third round, Methodist opened a 21-stroke advantage and won going away.

The Monarchs set championships records with the two lowest rounds (277 and 279) as well as the lowest four-round total at 1,143.

Methodist swept the top three individual spots, including medalist Chad Collins, who posted a four-day total of 283, five under par. Collins became the second freshman in a row to win the individual title and the seventh player from Methodist to win the individual crown.

Brett Carmen of Methodist finished second at 284, and teammate Brion McLaughlin was a stroke behind at 285.

Methodist sophomore Chris Eaves, who along with McLaughlin was a returning player from last year's Monarchs championship team, suffered from back spasms throughout the event but managed to post the low round of the tournament with a third-round 67.

Bryan Martin of Skidmore and Tim Collins of Otterbein finished tied for fourth at 287. Martin also tied for fourth a year ago.