The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s men’s and women’s golf played host to the Twin Ports Collegiate. This two-day tournament is hosted at Nemadji Golf Course in Superior, Wisconsin.

UWS had three teams in the men’s tournament along with schools Wisconsin Lutheran College, University of St. Scholastica, Martin Luther College, and Northland College.
On the women’s side, Wisconsin Lutheran did not have a team. Teams that featured on the women’s side but not men’s are Augsburg University, UW-River Falls, Luther College, and Bethany Lutheran College (BLC).

Olivia Weyenburg Yellowjacket women’s golf finished with an 81 at the Twin Ports Collegiate.
Photo Andrew Mathews | The Promethean

Right from teeing off, it was UWS men’s golf taking advantage of the home course and winning the tournament. Senior golfer, Conner Willard, took first place over his teammate and junior golfer, Andrew Rude.

“The playoff with Andrew was a fun, lighthearted experience. Obviously, at this point, the team had already won the tournament. So, we were both trying to win that first-place finish for the individuals. We shared laughs and conversations during the playoff hole, but we both were trying to win,” said Willard.

The women’s team took advantage of the home course, and although they finished fifth place, they finished day two with major improvements. Men’s and women’s golf coach, Paul Eberhardt, was happy with the result of the team.

Conner Willard Yellowjacket men’s golf eyeing up a putt at the Twin Ports Collegiate at Nemadji Golf Course.
Photo Andrew Mathews | The Promethean

“We improved on Day 2 which has been the case at all of our tournaments. We are better on Day 2 which shows some growth and also shows that our ladies are making strong adjustments after playing the course on Day 1 and playing better and cleaner on Day 2. Our women’s team has gotten better and more competitive and I expect that to continue,” said Eberhardt.

The tournament occurred on the course, but Coach Eberhardt saw the tournament benefit the community as well.

“It brings revenue to the city with teams outside of the area staying in hotels and eating at area restaurants. It also allows players to play in front of more people they know who get an opportunity to come out and watch them play. It ultimately helps us save money within our budget as we so not have as many costs as we would for a road trip,” said Eberhardt.

The UWS men’s golf team will have their next match on Sep. 28 in Elk River, Minn., for the Twin Cities Classic.

For the women’s team their next match is Sep. 28, in Hutchinson, Minn., for the BLC invite.