The Hope College men's golf team is headed back to the NCAA Division III National Championships after winning the MIAA's 54-hole qualifying tournament.
The Flying Dutchmen, who will make their third straight trip to nationals, won each of three qualifying rounds. In Saturday's final round at the Wuskowhan Players Club in West Olive, Hope beat runner-up Calvin by nine strokes, 295-304. Over the 54 holes of the playoff, the Flying Dutchmen totaled 880 strokes, which was 31 strokes ahead of Calvin. Trine was third at 939, followed by Kalamazoo (968).
In today's third round of the player, Hope had five of the top eight individual scores. Winton Munch, the 2013 and 2014 MIAA Most Valuable golfer, shared medalist honors with Calvin's John Van Noord, a two time First Team All-MIAA golfer, as both shot a 72. Josh Gibson from Hope had a 73, followed by teammates Andrew Goble, Kade Hoeksema and Ben Kramer all with a 75.
The 2016 NCAA DIII National Men's Golf Championships will take place May 10-13 at the Mendon Golf Club and Midvale Country Club in Rochester, New York. St. John Fisher College is the host school.