NIACC's Boerjan ties for 43rd at national tournament

FOLEY, Ala. - NIACC freshman Ben Boerjan saved his best for last.

The former St. Ansgar standout shot a career-best, even par 72 (34-38) during the final round of the NJCAA Division II national tournament Thursday at Glenlakes Golf Club and tied for 43rd in the individual medalist competition. Boerjan's previous best round was a 74 on day one of the NJCAA Region XI tournament on May 5.

"That was an extremely solid round of golf (Thursday) from Ben," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "I couldn't be more proud of the way he handled himself this week.

"To finish the way he did (Thursday) knowing that his teammates were all behind him because of the weather cut rule was awesome."

Boerjan had a four-day total of 75-77-78-72 - 302. The even par 72 is tied for the fifth best round at the national tournament in the Frenz era.

Boerjan, who started his final round on No. 10, recorded birdies on No. 10 (par 5) and No. 5 (par 5) and eagled No. 1 (par 5). He had bogeys on No. 7 (par 4) and No. 12 (par 3) and a double bogey on No. 18 (par 4).

"He hit almost every fairway and if he did miss the green his chipping was impeccable," Frenz said.

With the possibility of storms Thursday, a cut was made to ensure that the tournament would be completed. The cut was after 15 teams and NIACC was in 17th place after three rounds with a total of 323-334-313 - 970.

"While the team was obviously disappointed in not getting a chance to finish (Thursday), we ended on a high note (Wednesday)," Frenz said. "What an outstanding way for Ben to end his first year here at NIACC with a solid 72.

"This really gives us a great deal of confidence heading into next fall with the great incoming group of players."

2018 (Glen Lakes Golf Course, Foley, Ala.) - Placed 17th with rounds of 323-334-313 - 970. A weather-related cut was made after the third round of the tournament. Individuals - T43. Ben Boerjan 75-77-78-72 - 302; Josh Schaefer 81-80-75 - 236; Devin Koob 80-88-80 - 248; Anthony Emanuel 90-89-80 - 259; Jordan Voves 87-92-92 - 271.

TOP NIACC FINISHES AT NATIONALS UNDER FRENZ

The following are the top finishes at the national tournament since Chris Frenz took over the NIACC golf program in 2007:

1. Levi Fink, 2014 (77-68-72-70 - 287)

T43. Ben Boerjan, 2018 (75-77-78-72 - 302)

T45. Sam Steinwand, 2015 (70-81-71-74 - 296)

T57. Jacob Urdahl, 2013 (74-77-76-77 - 304)

T69. Dalton Olson, 2013 (74-77-78-77 - 306)

T87. Max Rohlfsen, 2011 (80-73-80-81 - 314)

92. Harrison Webb, 2011 (80-78-76-82 - 316)

112. Kade Jones, 2011 (84-85-77-78 - 324)

MEN'S TOP NATIONAL TOURNAMENT ROUNDS UNDER FRENZ

Levi Fink (Day 2, 2014) 68

Levi Fink (Day 4, 2014) 70

Sam Steinwand (Day 1, 2015) 70

Sam Steinwand (Day 3, 2015) 71

Levi Fink (Day 3, 2014) 72

Ben Boerjan (Day 4, 2018) 72

Max Rohlfsen (Day 2, 2011) 73

Jacob Urdahl (Day 1, 2013) 74

Dalton Olson (Day 1, 2013) 74

Sam Steinwand (Day 4, 2015) 74

Ben Boerjan (Day 1, 2018) 75

Josh Schaefer (Day 3, 2018) 75

MEN'S LOWEST NATIONAL 18-HOLE TEAM ROUNDS UNDER FRENZ

310 (Day 3, 2011)

313 (Day 3, 2018)

316 (Day 2, 2011)

323 (Day 1, 2018)

325 (Day 4, 2011)