SILVIS, Ill. – #3 Dalton State kicked off the 2025 NAIA Men's Golf National Championship with a strong showing at TPC at Deere Run after a marathon opening round, led by an extraordinary performance from sophomore standout Jack Whaley. Whaley made history by setting the NAIA Championship single-round scoring record with an incredible 10-under-par 61, placing himself firmly atop the leaderboard.

RECAP
ROUND 1
The tournament began yesterday after a morning delay with Whaley wasting no time making his mark on the championship, recording birdies on six of his first eight holes. He ended Tuesday left with a 3-foot putt for birdie on No. 4.
 
He drained the putt as his first shot on the course this morning and capped off his front nine with a brilliant eagle on the par-five ninth, posting a sizzling 30 (-5) on the outward nine. His momentum continued on the back nine as he added four more birdies, finishing with a 31 (-5), securing his record-breaking round of 61 (-10).
 
Beyond Whaley's stellar performance, the Roadrunners saw solid contributions across the board. Tyler Latimer carded a steady 72 (+1), while Barrett Loftis posted a 75 (+4). Joe Getley added a 76 (+5), and Ben McFadden wrapped up the lineup with an 81 (+10).
 
UP NEXT
#3-ranked Dalton State continues play at the 2025 NAIA Men's Golf Championship at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill, tomorrow, May 22.
 
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