Dahlenburg sets new school record in golf

By Adam Hunt | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Dyann Busse

Joel Dahlenburg was in a record-breaking mood at the Bearcat Golf Classic in South Carolina.

The Flagler senior fired a seven-under 209 over 54 holes to clinch medalist honors and set a new school-record.

His former teammate Chris Bray previously held the record after his 210 at the Will Wilson Southeast Preview in 2009.

Dahlenburg took little time to find his form and raced into first place after the first round with a six-under 66 — the lowest score of the tournament.

The 6,800-yard Greenwood Country Club caused him little trouble on the second 18 as he shot a 67.

Dahlenburg closed out the event with a 76 on the final day to finish first out of 90 starters.

“I am proud of Joel,” said Flagler head coach Santiago Cavanagh. “He has worked hard all year to give himself the best chance of shooting low and he deserved to win the tournament.”

Sophomore Christopher Waxberg was the second lowest scorer for the Saints after his six-over 222 — good for a tie of 22nd place overall. Senior Greg Mergel finished five shots back in 37th place with an 11-over 227.

Freshman Jonathan Folkner and junior Alex Bennett rounded Flagler’s five starters with a 22-over 238 and a 24-over 240 respectively.

The event featured some of the strongest teams in the region and the Saints finished in seventh place with a final score of 893. Peach Belt powerhouse USC Aiken won the title over conference rivals Georgia College and Columbus State.

Flagler is finalizing their preparations for the Peach Belt Conference Championships which begin on April 9.

Cavanagh is confident his team has what it takes to finish the season strong.

“The Peach Belt is such a tough conference that really anyone can win it,” he said. “We are just looking to peak at the right time so that we can defend our title.”