Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University men's golf team began their participation in the Motor City Shakedown, finishing the first round in second place among nine teams with a score of +2 (290).

This score represents the best team 18-hole performance since April 11, 2023. The team's achievement was highlighted by a record-breaking 21 birdies, surpassing the previous record of 18.

Arthur Ylitalo shared the lead for NMU with his first collegiate sub-70 round, finishing three under par. This performance marked his best collegiate round and placed him tied for second overall individually going into the second round. Arthur's six birdies were crucial to his success.

"I was sticking the ball the best I have in a while," said Arthur. "I hit a lot of greens and gave myself a lot of looks for birdie."

Eric Yun also performed well, matching Ylitalo's score with a round of 69 and tying for second place individually. Yun recorded four consecutive birdies out of his total of six during his round.

"I played aggressively to my spot," said Yun, "and that put me in position to hit my putts."

Walter Ylitalo contributed with a round of 75 (+3), tying for 16th place individually with three birdies. Tyler Annala shot 77 (+5), securing six birdies and ending T29 to complete NMU's scoring lineup.

Joe Luke carded an 80 (+8) with two birdies, placing him tied for 44th individually. Russel Sprecher scored an 86 (+14) with one birdie, finishing T52 individually.

Arthur, Yun, and Annala each recorded six birdies individually, tying them for third place in most single-round birdies, just one stroke shy of the individual record.

The Wildcats aim to maintain their strong performance as they head into the final round on October 1 at 8:00 a.m.

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