Men’s golf win ends 11-year drought

Sophomore transfer Blake Furgerson’s second place finish helped JCU win their first Pat Flowers Invitational since 1997.

Blue Streaks win first Pat Flowers Invitational title since 1997 in 15th playing of the tournament

For the fifth time in the 15 year history of the Pat Flowers Invitational, the host Blue Streaks won their own tournament.

JCU won the 11-team, 27-hole tournament, at Fowler’s Mill Golf Course in Chesterland, by two strokes over Owens Community College.

The Blue Streaks trailed Owens by three strokes after the first nine holes, but were able to manage a 288 on the 18-hole Lake-River course to secure the victory.

John Carroll University’s score of 436 edged out Owens total of 438. Baldwin-Wallace College came in third at 440 and the JCU-B team  finished fourth with a score of 443.

“There was a big field at this event so it was huge for us to come out on top,” coach Mike Moran said. “We feel that it really got us off on the right foot here to start the spring season.”

Moran was especially impressed by the way the team played considering the snowy weather conditions limiting play early this spring.

“With the weather, we haven’t been able to get out there and play as much as we’d like to,” Moran said. “Yet, the kids still played very well. That goes to show how hard they have been working.”

Leading the way for the Blue Streaks was sophomore Blake Furgerson, who recorded the best score on the Lake-River course with a 70.

Furgerson’s 27-hole total of 107 was one shot back of individual champion Chris Hummer of Owens.

Furgerson, a transfer from Loyola of Maryland, has been a great addition to the program.

“Obviously it’s a huge positive for our program to add a kid like Blake,” Moran said. “When you add a young man with his ability, it heightens everything in all aspects of the team. I think everyone understands that their level of play has to improve.”

Also contributing fantastic individual efforts for the Blue Streaks were freshman Ted Padezanin, junior Dan Arison and senior Joey Buescher.

Padezanin’s score of 108, just one shot over par, was instrumental to the JCU-B squad finishing in fourth place.

Buescher and Arison recorded scores of 108 and 109 respectively to help the JCU-A unit earn the victory.

The Pat Flowers Invitation is named after JCU volunteer assistant coach Pat Flowers. Flowers is not only the father-in-law of Moran, but also a huge help in the golf program.

“He’s been a part of the program for the past 16 years and was very instrumental in the development of the program,” Moran said. “Naming this event after him - it’s kind of a tribute for all the energy he’s put into the program. It’s volunteer work that he does, so he’s devoted a lot of his time.”   

Next up for the Blue Streaks is this weekend’s OAC Regular Season Tournament, a tournament Moran considers very important.

“Our first goal of the season is to win the first ever OAC Regular-season Championship,” Moran said. “That’s our number one goal at the moment.”

Moran was quick to point out that the ultimate goal is to go on and play in the NCAA Tournament, but the team is taking a one-event at a time approach.

Currently, the Blue Streaks own a slim lead over Otterbein in the OAC based on the fall results.

JCU will travel to the Ohio Northern Tournament before heading to the conference tournament.

The OAC Tournament, the qualifier to reach the Blue Streaks ultimate goal, the NCAA Tournament, will be held April 24-25.

With the addition of Furgerson elevating the squad, it appears to be a goal that is well within reach.