COON RAPIDS, Minn. – Jacob Pedersen (Sr., Minnetonka) made history in the final round of the MIAC Men’s Golf Championship on Monday at Bunker Hills Golf Club. Pedersen fired a seven-under par (65), setting the Gustavus and MIAC record for lowest 18-hole score and lowest final round by an individual champion. Pedersen claims his second MIAC individual championship (also won in 2018) with a final score of 35-69-65-169 (-11) (first round was limited to nine holes due to rain). Pedersen’s final round was highlighted by a chip-in eagle on the par-five fourth hole and seven birdies.
Pedersen becomes the first Gustie since J.P. Prenevost (1996, 98) to win multiple MIAC individual championships. Dan Prochnow (1976, 77, 78), Mike Maras (1985, 86), Jon Lundquist (1990, 91), and Scott Moe (1992, 93, 94) are the other Gusties to win multiple conference titles.
Not to be overshadowed by Pedersen’s record-setting day, the team shot a school record -11 in the final round to finish in second place with a score of 147-288-277-712 (-8). The final round of 277 broke the Gustavus and MIAC record for lowest 18-hole score. Saint John’s won the team championship with a score of 140-280-286-706 (-14).
Along with Pedersen, Max Ullan (Sr., Blaine) and Wyatt Wasko (Jr., Lake Elmo) also earned All-Championship Team honors, finishing in third and tied for fourth, respectively. Ullan carded a 34-70-71-175 (-5) and Wasko finished at 39-71-68-178 (-2). Andrew Hoppe (Jr., Mankato) rounded out the team scoring with a 14th place finish at 39-78-73-190 (+10).
“What a special day on the golf course,” Head Coach Scott Moe said. “Our goal was to go out and get it after it, and they certainly did just that. Seeing the confidence in hitting shots and rolling putts, it was awesome. To have our men shoot a conference and program record on the final day of the conference championship was amazing. They played with no fear and trusted themselves. We showed some depth today; our top three guys were unstoppable. Wyatt Wasco said after the round, ‘I played great today, fired 68 and got smoked by three.’ That shows you how good JP played today. To shoot 65, under championship conditions and competing alongside the tournament leader, he showed a lot of poise and proved he is one of the best players in the country. Ullan was stellar all weekend and certainly didn’t let a few missed shots affect his play. Hats off to Saint John’s, heck of a tournament for their five guys. It was fun for us to finally put a round together.”
Gustavus wraps up the fall season Oct. 17-19 at the Golfweek Invitational in Destin, Fla.