MILWAUKEE, Wis. (March 13, 2017) – Bryant & Stratton College men's golf team completed its opening tournament at the Evangel University Spring Invitational  Friday but did not perform the way they were expecting. Bobcat's golfers Garrett Waloway and Aaron Gosse both finished above par placing them in the bottom half of the leader board.

Waloway ended the tournament shooting a 183 (+39) after 36 holes while Gosse finished at 180 (+36).

The Bobcats arrived Wednesday evening and competed in a practice round Thursday to get themselves prepared mentally and physically for a long 36-hole round taking place the following day.

Due to weather conditions all teams participating in the tournament were forced to play 36 holes on Friday as opposed to 18 on both Friday and Saturday.

"We arrived Wednesday to 72 degree weather and Thursday we practiced all day in 81 degrees and sunny skies," Bobcats head golf coach Andy Runkel said.

"We played an 18-hole practice round, worked extensively on the driving range and finished with an hour and a half short game session which made us feel reasonably prepared."

Despite the warm weather on Thursday the temperature dropped to 36 degrees at the start of the tournament which coach Runkel believes was a huge contributor to Waloway's and Gosse's early struggles.

"Both Garrett and Aaron struggled to hit the small greens," Runkel said. "Our lack of winter short game practice was exposed."

The long winter this offseason has forced the Bobcats to stay indoors for practices as opposed to playing outdoors for more game-like situations. Under these circumstances the Bobcats were at a major disadvantage even before teeing-off.

"It was somewhat expected to struggle in the scoring department early in the season," Runkel said. "Both guys chip and putt at the BSC indoor facility but that only mildly reflects what it takes to get the job done in real tournament conditions."

Although the spring opener was not the start the Bobcats were looking for, Runkel remains confident that they will bounce back and be ready to compete at the next tournament.

"We all are looking forward to our next event and hope the Wisconsin winter will give way to spring so we can get outside," Runkel said.

The Bobcats will continue to practice at their indoor facility until the weather allows them to practice outside on their home course. The Bobcats home events take place at The Bog located in Saukville, WI.