Grace Golf: Lancers Fourth At NCCAA Championships
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – Freshman Tristan Nienhuis excelled in his first national tournament for Grace’s men’s golf team, earning All-American recognition at the 2016 NCCAA National Championships.
Nienhuis, who at times led the entire field, finished the three-day event in eighth place. He carded 75-72-81 in the tournament.
As a team, the Lancers finished fourth with a score of 937. Grace was making its first appearance at NCCAA Nationals in 17 years. The Lancers’ 305 on Tuesday was the third-best in the field.
Cameron Bates produced the best tournament of his career to place 13th overall. He carded 230 to finish just one stroke shy of All-American status. He was especially impressive in the first two rounds with a 75-74.
Tyler Ham had the steadiest hand in the tournament for Grace, finishing with a scoreline of 79-80-80. Jonathan Schram finished one shot behind Ham at 240.
Chad Spencer rounded out Grace’s scoring with 264.
Colorado Christian won the national title by shooting 914. Grace was within five strokes of CCU’s score as late as Wednesday before fading in the middle and later portions of the final round.
The tournament officially ends the fall season for Grace. The Lancers will hit the links again this spring, building toward the 2017 Crossroads League Championships.