Leathernecks, Peterman win Beu/Mussatto Invitational

MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois men's golf team won its fifth home invitational title in the past six seasons and Fighting Leatherneck senior Kyle Peterman took medalist honors at the 38th Annual Beu/Mussatto Invitational, which concluded Tuesday, March 30.

The Leatherneck purple team shot 859 over three rounds at the Harry Mussatto Golf Course to regain the Beu/Mussatto crown after having a four-year win streak broken last season. Western's win came in convincing fashion as the Leathernecks topped second-place Green Bay by 31 strokes.

“Winning any tournament is an accomplishment,” Western Illinois coach Mel Blasi said. “And winning our home tournament means a lot to our seniors as they finish their careers here at Western.”

Peterman's second win of the 2009-10 season also came by a significant margin as the senior's three-round score of 204 was 10 strokes better than second-place finisher Austin Ehlenfeldt. Peterman shot three rounds under par highlighted by a first-round 63 that broke the tournament record. He shot a 70 in Monday's afternoon round before concluding the tournament with a 71 Tuesday.

“Winning by 10 strokes made it appear as though Kyle was in league of his own this week,” Blasi said. “Kyle is having a phenomenal year. And to shoot 204 with three rounds under par on our golf course is just terrific golf.

“Kyle has learned to use his skills to play any type of golf course. He is in complete control of his game and his wedge game has been a real strength. He's breaking all the records here, having the best individual season that we've had here at Western.”

Teaming up with Peterman on the tournament champion purple team, Western Illinois senior Jake Weeber shot three rounds of 72 to tie for third place individually at 216.

“Jake has been a very consistent performer since he started here at Western. I know he is very proud that he put three good rounds together and was able to play excellent golf each round,” Blasi said. “Jake has improved his ball striking and he has a terrific short game, so he has the potential to shoot really low scores. He has been a nice compliment to Brian (Scott) and Kyle.”

Also for the purple squad, freshman Konrad Deka took seventh with a 222 (74-71-77), Ryan Franks tied for eighth at 223 (69-78-76) and Brian Scott finished 14th at 227 (73-73-81).

“Konrad is a very gifted player. He just needed a few tournaments to find his stride. He had a lot of pressure on him this week playing on the first five, but he responded beautifully,” Blasi said. “Ryan's 69 in round one was a huge boost from the four spot. Ryan has had a very consistent spring and I'm very excited about his contributions in the last three tournaments.”

Western's gold squad placed seventh with a three-round tally of 922. Tim Harwood led the gold team at 226 (73-76-77) to finish 13th while Andrew Godfrey tied for 15th at 228 (76-74-78), Ben Kilborn tied for 24th at 232 (72-81-79), Shane Kwaterski tied for 43rd at 239 (76-78-85) and Aaron Gauldin tied for 54th at 245 (82-80-83).

Competing as an individual, Western Illinois sophomore Seth Brannan placed 71st at 290 (102-88-100).

The Leathernecks travel to Branson, Mo., April 5-6 to compete in the Branson Creek Invitational.

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