@MizzouMensGolf Ready for 2016-17 to Begin
9/1/2016 1:45:00 PM | Men's Golf
Tigers return experienced lineup and add capable newcomers to the mix
COLUMBIA, Mo. - As head coach Mark Leroux's 2016-17 edition of Mizzou Men's Golf heads to the Turning Stone-Tiger Intercollegiate (Sept. 4- Sept. 5) and tees off a new campaign, there is plenty of optimism surrounding the program.
What was a young and talented, but sometimes inconsistent squad last season now has the looks of a veteran-laden roster, ready to compete at the highest level.
Leading Mizzou into the new season are seniors Euan Walker (Troon, Scotland) and Linus Lilliedahl (Sandviken, Sweden) and redshirt seniors Will Echelmeier (Columbia, Mo.) and Jacob Fair (Monett, Mo.). For Walker, who has collected numerous academic and athletic accolades over his career, including being named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the year for 2015-16 season, the talent has always been undeniable. Walker finished last season on a high note, including two Top 20 overall finishes and two top squad finishes over his last two events. If Walker can piece together rounds like he is capable of, he can have an outstanding senior season.
Lilliedahl also had a strong close to his junior year, registering two Top 25 finishes over his last three competitive tournaments. Lilliedahl joined Walker in being recognized as a GCAA All-American Scholar this offseason, showing that he can get it done on the fairway and in the classroom.
Following the four seniors on the roster are returning juniors Hayden Buckley (Belden, Miss.) and Luigi Botta (Cuneo, Italy).
Buckley is coming off an impressive sophomore campaign, in which he was one of Mizzou's most consistent performers. Not only did he play in all of the Tigers' events over the course of the season, but he only failed to place in the team's Top 3 once. Also, Buckley led the team with nine rounds under-par and three tournaments under-par. Buckley could be a golfer to watch in the SEC with the work he put in this offseason.
The youngest returners for Mizzou are sophomores Preston Fleenor (Kansas City, Mo.) and Matt Echelmeier (Columbia, Mo.), who both showed plenty of promise in their freshman seasons.
The Tigers also recruited two gifted newcomers, JUCO transfer Trevor Ullestad (Jewell, Iowa) and freshman Rory Franssen (Inverness, Scotland), who undoubtedly bring plenty to the table.
For Ullestad, success on the course is something he is used to. Guiding Indian Hills Community College to an NJCAA National Championship in 2014-15 and to a tie for fourth-place in 2015-16 season, winning has become a habit for Ullestad. Along with team success, Ullestad has earned his share of individual accolades, twice earning NJCAA All-America recognition.
Franssen's background competing in some of the biggest European amateur events, including the Scottish Youth's Open and the European Boy's Championships, will surely aid him in his transition to the collegiate game.
With a blend of established veterans and new incoming talent, the 2016-17 season could be something special for Mizzou Men's Golf.
