VERMILLION, SD — Doane Men's Golf made program history on Tuesday afternoon as they competed at the 2023 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Championships in Vermillion, S.D. The two-day event concluded with the final 18 holes and the Tigers led from start to finish to claim their first conference title in 47 years. 

Doane defeated second place Northwestern by seven strokes as the team recorded a 54-hole final score of 686. The team's final score is the second-lowest in program history over 54 holes.

The Tigers opened the tournament with a 284 in the first round of play on Monday. Blake Skoumal was tied for the individual lead after 18 holes as he posted a round of 68 with four birdies. Blake Andersen recorded a 69 behind six birdies and Ryan Weiss finished with a 72 following four birdies. Achilleas Lazaridis rounded out the four team scorers in the opening round with a 75. Andrew Paquette also posted a round of 75.

In the second round, Doane shot a 297 and held a two stroke lead after 36 holes. Andersen posted three birdies and finished with a 71. He would be the clubhouse leader entering the final round at four-under par. Paquette recorded a round of 74 with Lazaridis and Skoumal finishing with rounds of 76. Weiss shot a 77 in the second round.

On the final day, the Tigers saw their lead fluctuate as scores were reported. Northwestern, who entered the day in third place and pulled within two of the lead and then Doane pushed their lead to 10 strokes. When the final scores were signed, the Tigers had recorded a 287 to win by the aforementioned seven strokes.

Weiss was the first Tiger in the clubhouse and finished with five birdies on his way to a final round of 69. Skoumal was next to finish and he recorded a 73 behind three birdies. Paquette finished with three birdies and closed out with a 71. Anderson had a rough start to the day but came on strong in the middle of the course to finish with a 74 and tie for first overall. Lazaridis finished with a 77 in the final round.

Overall, Anderson recorded a 214 (69-71-74) and was in a three-player playoff with Jack Laven of Northwestern and Freddy Bullock of Dordt. Bullock won the playoff on the first hole to earn a spot to the NAIA National Championships.

Skoumal tied for fourth with a 217 (68-76-73). Weiss finished sixth with a 218 (72-77-69). Paquette tied for 11th overall with a 220 (75-74-71). Lazaridis tied for 28th with a 228 (75-76-77).

Next up for the Tigers is the NAIA National Championships on May 16-19 in Mesa, Arizona, at the Las Sendas Golf Club. It will mark Doane's first appearance at the national championships as a team. The Tigers have previously had two individuals qualify for the championship meet.