By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University men's golf team has three returning student-athletes who have combined to register a total of 22 rounds under par during their college careers. Austin Davis (Jr., Culver City, CA/Culver City HS) has achieved 10 rounds under par, with Andrew Kibbee (Jr., Kenmore, WA/Bothell HS) contributing six sub-par rounds and Alex Weirth (So., Port Orchard, WA/Crosspoint Academy) producing six sub-par rounds.
All three golfers have earned at least two low rounds of 69 for the Bearcats. Davis has scored a 69 three times, while Kibbee and Weirth each have recorded a 69 twice.
In 2019-20, Davis, Kibbee, and Weirth each recorded an unadjusted stroke average of less than 73.00. Weirth led the way with a 72.15 average, while Davis averaged 72.23 and Kibbee averaged 72.91. Their efforts helped Willamette achieve a team stroke average of 297.08, nearly three full strokes lower than 300.
The rounds under par and season totals are particularly impressive since Davis and Kibbee are just beginning their third year with the Bearcats and Weirth is a sophomore. Last season, Davis shot under par in five of 13 rounds. Kibbee was below par in four of 11 rounds. Weirth attained sub-par scores in six of 13 rounds.
Willamette's lowest rounds in recent years were 64s scored by Ryan Kukula ('15) in 2014-15 and by Kenneth Sheldon ('19) in 2016-17. Trent Jones ('19) recorded a 65 in 2016-17. Kukula and Jones each shot a 66, with Kukula earning his as a first-year player in 2011-12 and Jones registering his in 2017-18.
Over the past decade, Bearcat golfers have achieved 38 rounds at 69 or lower. Golfers who have the most entries on the list are Jones with nine, Kukula with six, and Sam Hinton ('19) with six.
"While these are impressive numbers, what stands out most to me is that it has been consistent year in and year out," Willamette Head Coach Patrick Daugherty said. "There are others who are not on the list or mentioned but have definitely contributed to the total number of under-par rounds. I think this really shows the strength of the program and the hard work and dedication these players put into their craft. I've been very fortunate to have really good players, and we're all about maximizing the talent we have."
