Reprinted with permission of The Southern Illinoisan, April 1, 2008

Article by Les Winkler

John A. Logan golf takes home first at own tournament

John A. Logan College's golf squad captured first place in its own invitational at Kokopelli Golf Course in Marion Monday.  The fifth-ranked Volunteers defeated second-ranked South Mountain and fourth-ranked Indian Hills in the process. 

The Vols took first with a two-day total of 610, followed by South Mountain (Arizona) 615; Indian Hills (Iowa); and Parkland 630.

"A large part of it is, it's our home course," said Logan coach Tom Ferris.  "We're used to the real fast greens.  It's the kind of course where you can't hardly come in here in a day, play a practice round and really know the golf course.  Indian Hills was here all week trying to get ready for this thing."

Logan's duo of William Bremner and Patrick Scheil finished first and second.  Bremner shot an even par 144 with Scheil four strokes back.

"It was a triple challenge this week," Ferris said, noting the wet, windy conditions.  "A 144 is like shooting 10-under this weekend really."

A native of Scotland, Ferris said Bremner is used to the cold, wet conditions.  In addition, he said Scheil, a Virginia native, plays links courses near his home.

"We have a nice solid team," Ferris said.  "We're led by those two guys.  That always helps when you have two of the top junior college players on your team."

The Logan coach called the event, "a brutal two days."

"We have a river going through a couple of fairways," Ferris said.  "We played at 7,200 yards and it probably played at 7,800 because the ball didn't go anywhere.  Normally, the course is set up where if it's dry you'll get some roll."

Despite the tough conditions, Ferris said Logan is able to attract the top teams in the country because of Kokopelli.

"We get the greens at PGA tournament kind of speed," Ferris said.  "We set it up so it's difficult.  The best teams hear about it and they want to come in here and they want to play us."

"We have a tournament in the fall which draws an even bigger field with more ranked teams.  Really, the golf course is the reason why.  It's a great lay-out.  It's a tour-type course.  We've played a lot of courses in Division I, and you won't play a tougher course."

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