Courtesy: Lindsey Wilson Sports Information
SILVIS, Ill. -- Lindsey Wilson men's golf captured the program's first national title today at the 73rd annual NAIA Men's Golf National Championship at TPC Deere Run.
The Blue Raiders shot a three-round total of 862 (287-282-293) to beat second-place Oklahoma City by two strokes and third-place Wayland Baptist (Texas) by four shots.
The national title is the 20th team national championship for Lindsey Wilson athletics.
Lindsey Wilson began the day with a one-stroke lead, but despite a solid start, the Blue Raiders trailed after only a few holes in today's final round. Wayland Baptist (Texas) and Keiser (Fla.) each snatch the lead early in the final round, only to have the Blue Raiders surge back into the lead late in the latter stages of the opening nine. Lindsey Wilson never trailed again.
The Blue Raiders extended their lead to as many as 10 shots midway through the back nine, before encountering some bumps in the road. The Blue Raider lead shrank back to single digits as Oklahoma City posted its 864 (287-285-292) and waited for the final pairings to approach the clubhouse.
Lindsey Wilson led by two shots as Rio Saigal -- who finished tied for third at 4-under par 209 (68-67-74) -- hit his approach shot to 18 feet on the final hole of the championship. A two-putt par secured the title.
Stanley White finished the tournament tied for 13th to join Saigal on the all-tournament team. He carded a three-round total of 215 (72-70-73).
Johan Bredenkamp recorded the best round of the day for the Blue Raiders with a 1-over par 72. He ended the three-round tournament in a tie for 43rd with a 223 (75-76-72). Adam Hawthorn tied for 31st in the championship with a 220 (73-73-74), and Toby White tied with Bredenkamp at 223 (74-72-77).
Following the national championship, Chris Butler was named the NAIA Men's Golf National Coach of the Year.
The Blue Raiders finish the 2024-25 season with eight tournament wins, including the Mid-South Conference and NAIA National Championships.