SJU golf scores low and racks up wins with deep team

This past Sunday, the SJU golf team won its annual Fall Invitational at Blackberry Ridge golf course in Sartell, Minn.

The team finished 22 shots ahead of second-place Concordia-Moorhead with a total of 569 (-3).

Senior Nate Loxtercamp finished second overall at the invitational with a 141 (-2), consisting of five birdies, 12 pars and one bogey.

“The start of the season has gone well for me. The first few tournaments have been mostly good but have also shown me what I need to work on for the next couple weeks,” Loxtercamp said via email.

The golf team has been ranked No. 11 in the Bushnell/Golfweek Division III Coaches’ Preseason Top 25, and Loxtercamp describes his team as the best team he has ever been a part of.

“We have so many talented golfers and have already shot some low scores this season and have played some great team rounds in practice as well,” he said. Loxtercamp’s highlight of the season has been watching his teammates get wins, and that is exactly what Andrew Boemer did this past weekend.

Boemer earned his first medalist honors in his collegiate career at the Fall Invitational with a total of 139 (-4).

Boemer has been recognized for his win and was named MIAC Men’s Golf Athlete of the Week on Tuesday. He has a scoring average of 71.3 and currently leads the MIAC.

Boemer lists this win as the highlight of his season so far.

“It was nice to see the practice start to pay off, and I am hoping I can keep contributing to the team’s successes with good play,” Boemer said via email. “I believe that we are the best team in the country top to bottom. Any of the guys could go out and win a tournament, and I do not think it would surprise anyone.”

The team has gone through some changes this past year, including introducing a new head coach, Chris Howe.

Howe is a 1999 SJU alumnus and participated in hockey during his years as a student. He also was an assistant golf coach at Concordia-Moorhead from 2011-2020 before he took over the head coaching position. It is his first year as head coach of the SJU golf team.

“Chris Howe is a great guy. He enjoys helping the team in any way he can and has a lot of great values and golf tips he passes on to the team,” Loxtercamp said.

Boemer agrees with Loxtercamp.

“He understands my demeanor and competitiveness, which I appreciate,” Boemer said.

Both athletes add that Howe has a lot of good experience and tips from being a hockey coach and athlete previously.

The SJU golf team competes next at the three-day Twin Cities Classic on Sept. 23-25.