BCSP: The Banner of Black College Sports

Bethune-Cookman sweeps minority golf titles

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman College's men outplayed seven-time champion Jackson State and the women faced little competition in repeating as champions in the 15th National Minority College Golf Championship staged over four days at the PGA facility here. Bethune-Cookman golfers

Freshman Luke Miller, a native of Woodbridge, England, posted a final-round 1-over-par 73 at PGA Golf Club's North Course to grab Division I medalist honors at 7-under-par 209. That effort boosted the Wildcats to their second men's national golf championship in three years.

Bethune-Cookman had a 1-over-par 865 for 54 holes, while Jackson State finished at 890, and defending champion Florida A&M, another stroke back, at 891.

Miller recorded four birdies to offset two double bogeys and hold off playing partner and fellow countryman Chris Regeister of Jackson State. Regeister finished three strokes back after a final round 67. A native of Bude, England, Regeister had seven birdies and crept within two strokes of Miller before stumbling home with bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes.

"I was hoping to play better today, but I definitely feel good about my overall play this week," said Miller, who earned his championship after three strong practice rounds a week ago. "This is a brilliant tournament to play in. The atmosphere is so good and a national championship is special."

Regeister, who was fourth in 1999, tied his lowest competitive round and matched Miller (who had a 67 Saturday) for the lowest round of the championship.

Lincoln University of Jefferson City, Mo., captured its second Division II title in three years, finishing with a 904 total. Kentucky State University was next with a 980. Sophomore Brent Bayer of Festus, Mo., closed with a 71 for a 212 total to earn medalist honors. Teammate Chris Buescher was runner-up with a 224.

Bethune-Cookman's women's team successfully defended its title with a 933 total, with sophomore Caroline Pehrson garnering medalist honors, finishing with a 77 for a 224 total. Three other B-CC players followed her in the scoring.

© 2001 Azeez Communications, Inc.