A grueling test in Stanford
The Eastern Michigan University men’s golf team recently tested its mettle against some of the premier programs in collegiate golf, concluding the 57th edition of The Goodwin on March 28. Held at the scenic yet challenging Stanford Golf Course in Stanford, California, the three-day event served as the capstone to a busy West Coast swing for the Eagles. The tournament featured a par-70 layout spanning 6,742 yards, demanding precision and consistency from every participant.
The Eagles faced a particularly daunting lineup of opponents, as the field was comprised of 31 teams, 26 of which were ranked among the top 100 programs in the nation. Eastern Michigan finished the tournament in 28th place overall, posting a cumulative team score of 41-over par 881. The team’s scoring progression saw them open with a 291, followed by a 302 in the second round, and a bounce-back 288 in the final round of play.
Mihaich powers through the final round
The individual standout for the Eagles was Leo Mihaich, who continued his run of solid form. Mihaich finished the event tied for 78th place with a total score of 7-over 217. His performance was highlighted by a significant surge during Saturday's final round; he carded an even-par 70, a performance that allowed him to climb 29 spots in the individual standings. Notably, his 217-stroke total tied his season best, matching the score he produced just days earlier at the Bridgestone Collegiate Invitational in Napa, California.
Mihaich’s consistency across the week in California established him as a reliable anchor for the EMU lineup as they faced high-level Pac-12 and Mountain West competition.
Team performance and grit
Beyond Mihaich, the Eagles saw contributions from across the roster as they navigated the difficult Stanford greens. Robby Turnbull finished the weekend tied for 107th place, carding a 10-over 220. Turnbull remained relatively steady throughout the three days, shooting rounds of 73, 74, and 73.
Charlie Box also contributed to the team total, finishing tied for 127th at 14-over 224. Meanwhile, Tim Chan showed remarkable resilience and improvement as the tournament progressed; Chan managed to lower his score in each successive round, shooting 78, 76, and finally a 71 to finish tied for 134th. Rounding out the Eastern Michigan lineup was Joshua Hess, who finished tied for 149th with a total of 231.
The tournament title was claimed by the host, No. 23 Stanford University, which finished at 17-under par. They were followed by No. 35 UCLA and No. 21 New Mexico. On the individual side, New Mexico’s Mesa Falleur took home the top honors with a dominant 12-under par performance.
Looking toward Florida
While the 28th-place finish may not have been the primary goal for the Eagles, the experience of competing against 26 top-100 teams provides vital preparation for the remainder of the spring season. The Goodwin marked the team's second major tournament in a single week, showcasing the program's endurance during a cross-country travel schedule.
The Eagles will not have long to rest before their next challenge. The team is scheduled to return to action from April 6-8 at the Calusa Cup in Naples, Florida. As they transition from the West Coast to the Southeast, the Eagles will look to build on the individual improvements seen in Stanford and climb the leaderboards in the Sunshine State.
