BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The USF Men's Golf team was selected to finish the 2024-25 season in 5^th place per the Men's Golf Preseason Poll released by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference earlier today.
 
The Cougars also claimed the Preseason Golfer of the Year spot with Mason Weeks earning the honor. Since transferring to USF two years ago, the Spirit Lake, Iowa native has often led the Cougars on the scorecard. Last year the senior placed 2^nd in two tournaments and totaled seven top-10 finishes. His 73.1 strokes per round was the 6^th highest average in the NSIC and was helped by a career best 66 in the first round of the USF Invitational. Weeks was also an All-NSIC First Team selection in 2023-24.
 
Head Coach Wade Merry on Mason:
"Mason had a great year for us last season, earning first-team all-conference honors. He played really well this summer and I am expecting him to have another really good season for us."
 
After placing 5^th at the NSIC Championships in the spring the Men's Golf team felt they still had plenty to prove. The team saw the departure of four graduating golfers including Gavin Metz who has played a pivotal role on the Cougars during his time at USF. With a hole to fill there are several experienced Cougars ready to step up as the team tries to outperform the 5th place expectation from the rest of the conference.
-Senior Jimmy Clark has shown flashes and could play a pivotal role on the team with continued consistent play.
-Cole Harste has been with the Cougars for three years and shown progression along with some solid rounds over the years.
-Juniors Devon Verhasselt and Jack Kray have played well in stretches and could be due for breakout seasons.
-Riley Larson showed great promise as a freshman and looks build on that this year.
-Garrett Everitt, Mats Lund and Deven Sehr have less experience than most others on the roster but have proven themselves capable golfers.
-The team also added standout freshmen Dawson Ringler and Brady Butler who come in at the perfect time to compete for playing time.
 
Head Coach Wade Merry on the team:
"We had a really disappointing spring and our guys really feel like they have a lot to prove this season. We have an experienced team and have added a couple good freshmen to the mix so I am optimistic as we head into the fall portion of our schedule."
 
The Cougars will open the season at the Bemidji State Invitational on September 9^th and 10^th.