By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Oliver Smith (So., San Jose, CA/Pioneer HS) from Willamette University has been named the Northwest Conference Men's Golf Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in dual tournaments against Linfield University on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. Smith won the individual title at the Bearcat Challenge #1 on Saturday at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis, Oregon, with a 6-under par 65. He also took first place at the Bearcat Challenge #2 on Sunday at Langdon Farms Golf Club in Aurora, Oregon, as he shot a 2-under par 69.

Smith led the Bearcats to team victories at both of the 18-hole tournaments. On Saturday, Smith's score of 65 gave him a four-stroke margin of victory. On Sunday, his 69 was two strokes better than a two-way tie for second.

At Bearcat Challenge #1 at Trysting Tree, Willamette won by two strokes over Linfield, as the Bearcats shot even-par 284. One day later, during the Bearcat Challenge #2 at Langdon Farms, the Bearcats won at 286, while Linfield shot 292.

Smith's outstanding play in the two tournaments resulted in a combined score of 8-under par 134. He recorded seven birdies on Saturday and added five birdies on Sunday. He carded a 4-under par 32 on the back nine at Trysting Tree on Saturday.

The Willamette men's golf team will compete at the 2024 NWC Tournament on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21 at Langdon Farms. The 36-hole event is worth one-half of the overall NWC Championship. The NWC Fall Classic and the NWC Spring Classic, which have already been played, are each worth one-fourth of the title. Willamette is one of several teams still in the running for the NWC title.