SHEBOYGAN, Wisc. - The Northern Michigan University men's golf team concluded its tournament at the Whistling Straits Championship today, finishing T8 of 15 teams.

Russel Sprecher led the way, shooting rounds of 81 (+9) and 75 (+3) for a total of 156. Over the two rounds, Sprecher played the par threes at four-over, the par fours at nine-over, and was one stroke off the field lead on the par fives, shooting a combined one-under. Sprecher recorded five birdies, three off the leader, Arthur Ylitalo, and 18 pars for 36 holes.

Collectively over 36 holes, the 'Cats shot the par threes at 25-over, the par fours at 89-over, and the par fives at 15-over. The team recorded 63 pars and led the field in birdies with 21.

The 'Cats shot rounds of 341 (+53) and 321 (+33) for a total of 662 (+86), finishing middle of the pack. Keiser University and Davenport both took home first after shooting matching rounds of 628 (+52), followed by Aurora University at 635 (+59).

The full leader board can be found here

Round One
Russel Sprecher led the way for the 'Cats in round one, shooting an 81 (+9) with two birdies and seven pars, and sitting five strokes back of the leader (+4). Sprecher played the par threes two-over, played the par fours seven-over, and played the par fives even on the day. His two birdies were two back of Arthur Ylitalo, who led the field in birdies in round one. Arthur also led the field in par five scoring, shooting three-under on the par fives.

The Wildcats as a team played the par threes at 13-over and the par fours at 64-over. The 'Cats excelled on the par fives, shooting a collective five over, T2 among the field, and three strokes off the leader Aurora. The Wildcats registered 21 pars, which was second last among the field but registered a field-best 10 birdies as a group.

Head coach Eric Johnson said the links course played very hard with windy conditions. 

Round Two
It was Sprecher once again who led the way for the 'Cats, shooting a round of 75 (+3) with three birdies and 11 pars, finishing with a weekend total of 156 (+12) and eighth individually, just five strokes off the leader. Over the two rounds, Sprecher played the par threes at four-over, the par fours at nine-over, and was one stroke off the field lead on the par fives, shooting a combined one-under. Sprecher recorded five birdies, three off the leader, Arthur Ylitalo, and 18 pars for 36 holes.

Collectively, the 'Cats played the par threes at 12-over, the par fours at 25-over, and the par fives at 10-over.

Scoring
Round One

• Russel Sprecher led the way for the 'Cats in round one, shooting an 81 (+9) with two birdies and seven pars, and sitting five strokes back of the leader (+4) in the T9 position. Sprecher played the par threes two-over, played the par fours seven-over, and played the par fives even on the day.
• Arthur Ylitalo was next for the Wildcats, shooting a round of 84 (+12) with four birdies and three pars, landing T18 among the field. Arthur played the par threes two-over, the par fours 13-over, and was first among the field in par five scoring at three-under. Arthur's four birdies were also the best in the field.
• Older brother Walter Ylitalo was next, shooting a round of 86 (+14) with two birdies and four pars, sitting T32 after round one. Walter played the par threes six-over, the second-best Wildcat on the par fours going seven-over, and shot a collective one-over on the par fives.
• Eric Yun rounded out the scoring for the Wildcats, shooting a round of 90 (+18) with seven pars, finishing T57 after 18 holes. Yun was the best Wildcat on the par threes, shooting one-over and two strokes off the leader. Yun played the par fours at 15-over, and the par fives at two-over.
• Tyler Annala was the final member of the Wildcats to participate in round one, shooting a 101 with two birdies, landing 73rd after round one. Annala played the par threes at a smooth two-over, the par fours at 22-over, and the par fives at five-over.

Round Two

• It was Sprecher once again who led the way for the 'Cats, shooting a round of 75 (+3) with three birdies and 11 pars, finishing with a weekend total of 156 (+12) and eighth individually, just five strokes off the leader. 
• Eric Yun had the second-best round for the Wildcats on the day, shooting an 80 (+8) with 13 pars, and finished at T47 with a 170. Yun finished the weekend as the best Wildcat on the par threes, playing them at two-over, and recorded the most pars on the trip (20), five off the leader
• Walter Ylitalo finished third on the 'Cats and recorded a second-round score of 84 (+12) with seven pars and two birdies. Walter registered four birdies on the weekend, four back of the leader
• Arthur Ylitalo shot a second-round 86 (+14), with four birdies and three pars. Arthur led the field in birdies over 36 holes, racking up eight
• Tyler Annala rounded out the scoring for the 'Cats, but had the third-best round-two scoring for NMU, with a second-round 82 (+10) with two birdies and eight pars for a total of 183

Up Next
The Wildcats rest up and begin winter training, prepping for the Spring season in 2024.