Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University men's golf team began its season at the Bulldog Fall Classic in Big Rapids, Michigan, with a long day on the course that started at 9 a.m. and finished at 8:30 p.m. The tournament, also known as the Midwest/Central Regional Preview, was scheduled for two rounds on the opening day, but play was suspended due to darkness with most teams having completed between 15 and 16 holes of their second round.

After about 34 holes of play, NMU stood in 17th place with a combined score of +61. Teams ahead included Lewis University at +52 and Northwood B at +48. Rockhurst led by a significant margin at +3, while Ashland and Gannon were tied for second place at +14.

Junior Arthur Ylitalo led NMU with a score of +8 through 34 holes. "Arthur began his day on hole 12, rattling off six straight pars before doubling the 18th to start a stretch that saw him shoot +4 in six holes. He would end his round shooting -1 with two birdies in his final six holes, carrying momentum into the start of the second round. Arthur started with two bogies in his opening three holes before again firing six-straight pars, but would ultimately bogey three of his final seven holes to finish at +8 with two holes left to play before round three. Arthur recorded 23 pars, a tie for fifth among the field and two back of the lead (Peter Roehl of Ferris State had 25 pars)."

Freshman Harvey Ylitalo competed as an individual and shot +13 through 31 holes. "Harvey had an up and down start to the day, with a bogey on the first immediately followed by a birdie, followed by three bogies and a birdie to finish the final four holes of the back nine. Harvey shot a 37 on the front and 39 on the back for a +5 in round one. Round two saw four bogeys and a double in his opening five holes before a stretch of six pars in eight holes to finish the day before the delay."

Other team members included Tyler Annala (+16) and Jacob Daavettila (+17), who placed second and third respectively among NMU players; both still have remaining holes to complete their second rounds when play resumes tomorrow morning. Levi Pennala was next for NMU at +20 through nearly two full rounds, while Brady Badker played as an individual competitor with a score of +25 through 33 holes.

Play will resume Tuesday morning at Katke Golf Club as teams complete their unfinished second rounds beginning at 9 a.m., followed immediately by round three.