Raiders Secure First Place at Spring Season Opener

CAMDENTON, Mo. – Northwestern men's golf began the spring season, securing first place at the Verhille Invitational with a final score of 598, highlighted by Qwenton Caldwell's second-place individual finish at 145 (+1) and Ray Greller's tie for fourth at 147 (+3).

The Raiders improved significantly in the second round, reducing its score from 303 to 295. Caldwell stood out for the Raiders, finishing second overall with a score of 145 (+1), achieving an even 72 in the final round. Notably, Caldwell eagled the last hole, cementing his second-place position. Carson Uitermarkt, competing individually, also delivered a strong performance with a total of 146 (+2), placing third.

Greller contributed to the team's success by tying for fourth place, posting a final score of 147 (+3) and improving his first-round score by five strokes in the second round. Axton Miller tied for eighth place with a consistent performance, carding identical rounds of 78 (+6). Evan Smith rounded out the Red Raiders' scoring with a total of 152 (+8), maintaining a steady presence with consecutive 76s in each round.

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
Caldwell secured a second-place finish with a final score of 145 (+1). He improved from his Round 1 score of 73 (+1) to an even-par 72 in Round 2, showcasing consistent performance throughout the invitational. Caldwell's eagle on the last hole was a key moment in his impressive finish.

Greller tied for fourth place with a final score of 147 (+3). He carded a 76 (+4) in the first round and improved significantly in the second round with a 71 (-1), demonstrating strong play on the second day.
Uitermarkt, competing as an individual, finished third overall with a score of 146 (+2). He shot an even-par 72 in Round 1 and followed up with a 74 (+2) in Round 2, maintaining a solid position near the top of the leaderboard.

Smith ended the tournament in 10th place at 152 (+8). He posted identical scores of 76 (+4) in both rounds, evidencing steady play across the two-day competition.

RAIDERS AT THE EVENT
T2 - Qwenton Caldwell (73-72-145)
T4 – Ray Greller (76-71-147)
10 – Evan Smith (76-76-152)
T11 – Axton Miller (78-75-153)
T19 – Ben Christy (83-76-159)
3 – Carson Uitermarkt (IND) (72-74-146)
34 – Trey Van Roekel (IND) (88-81-169)

Up Next: Northwestern will compete next week at the Washburn Invite in Topeka, Kansas.

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Players Mentioned

Qwenton Caldwell: 6' 0"; Senior

Ray Greller: 6' 4"; Sophomore

Axton Miller: 6' 3"; Sophomore

Evan Smith: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Carson Uitermarkt: 6' 1"; Sophomore

Trey Van Roekel: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Ben Christy: 6' 3"; Junior

Players Mentioned

Qwenton Caldwell
: 6' 0"; Senior

Ray Greller
: 6' 4"; Sophomore

Axton Miller
: 6' 3"; Sophomore

Evan Smith
: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Carson Uitermarkt
: 6' 1"; Sophomore

Trey Van Roekel
: 5' 10"; Sophomore

Ben Christy
: 6' 3"; Junior