NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! Roadrunners Win 2021 NAIA Men's Golf Championship

By: Erik Simpson, Sports Information Director

Men's Golf | 5/21/2021 5:32:00 PM

SILVIS, Ill. – #5 Dalton State had to fight and claw all day in rainy conditions but a clutch 20-foot putt on No. 18 from senior Ben Rebne clinched the NAIA Men's Golf Championship for the Roadrunners at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. on Friday.

#5 DS finished the tournament at 1171 (+35) claimed a 1-stroke victory over the defending national champions and #9 Texas Wesleyan (1172, +36). #2 Keiser (Fla.) (1176, +40) finished 3^rd with #1 Point (Ga.) (1177, +41) in 4^th. #8 Campbellsville (Ky.) (1187, +51) rounded out the top-5.

RECAP
Playing one grouping in front of the Roadrunners, Texas Wesleyan put up the best round of the day at 2-over 286 and stood one stroke ahead of the Roadrunners. Trevor Bassett had an important birdie on the par-5 17^th that proved to be the equalizer for the Dalton State. Down to the last two golfers on the course, Steve Kibare had a crucial par that set the scene for excitement.

Senior Ben Rebne was the last player on the course for the Roadrunners and stood over a 20-footer with a chance to win. He hit it firm as the putt swung from right to left and into the hole to give Dalton State their first men's golf national championship.

Rebne finished tied for 2^nd overall after the even-par 71 in the final round. Steve Kibare carded a 3-over 74 to ended tied for 11^th. Trevor Bassett posted 4-over 75 with Matthew Cleary signing for a 6-over 77. Joshua Stern had a final round 8-over 79 to finish out the Roadrunner contingent.

QUOTES FROM COACH
Comments From Coach Ben Rickett:
"Could not be more proud of this group. They have dealt with so much adversity all year and to hung in there with the weather the last 6 holes!"

"What a storybook ending for Ben's (Rebne) career. To come back for a COVID year and hole the putt to win a national championship."

"It was so much fun!! Can't believe we are national champions!!!"

UP NEXT
The Birds will tee it up again in September for the 2021-2022 season.

#BeepBeep

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