The Fighting Scots had a tremendous season in 2007, as they qualified for the NCAA tournament by winning the Midwest Conference. Monmouth returned only two members of last year’s qualifying team this year, so many people were not expecting them to repeat their success, but the Scots are setting out to prove their doubters wrong.

So far, the squad has done just that, as they are establishing themselves as one of the strongest golf programs in the area.

One of their most consistent performers and only senior, Aaron Thiel, said this season has been a good one so far.

“This has been a solid year; I think we have taken on more of the reload rather than rebuild mindset,” Thiel said. “Everyone thought after last year’s team went through, that we would struggle to fill those key spots. For a young team I think we have responded really well. It’s been a lot of fun helping these younger guys along and sharing what college golf is all about.”

The Scots have competed well the entire season, and they set the pace for the year by claiming second place at the Millikin University Invitational on March 14-15.

The team’s good play continued on March 28-29 when they tied for third place out of 11 teams at the Prairie Fire Classic.

Most recently, Monmouth competed in the Indian Hills Invite and claimed third place out of 11 teams on April 18-19.

In the invite, the Scots were paced by freshman Jason Pinns, as he carded an impressive 70 on the first 18 holes before shooting a respectable 76 over the second 18. Pinns’ total of 146 was good enough to tie him for third individually in the invite.

Thiel continued his good play, shooting 154 over 36 holes, which was good enough to tie him for thirteenth with his teammate, sophomore Ryan Tapscott.

Sophomore Ryan Harvey and freshman Rodney Clayton each shot 165 in the invite, tying them for 32nd.

The Scots will host their first invite on April 25-26, when they welcome other programs to Monmouth to compete in the Scots-Fire Invite at Gibson Woods.

On May 1-3, the squad will play their most important golf of the season, as they will try to defend their title at the Midwest Conference Championships in Rockford, Ill.

“Our biggest goal is to play solid and repeat at the conference tournament next week,” Thiel said. “Another conference victory and trip to nationals will be the only way to justify this year. If everyone plays to their potential, I have no doubt that we can achieve our goals. This is the deepest golf team that I have ever played on....I hope we can make use of all the talent and turn it into opportunity.”

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