PEORIA, Ill. -- Bradley men's golf is set to tee off the season on Sept. 18th and 19th at the Valpo Fall Invitational hosted by Valparaiso University.
Rounds one and two will begin at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Ind., at 8:00 a.m. on Monday and commence again on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.
The tournament field includes Evansville, Green Bay, Detroit Mercy, DePaul, Western Illinois, Central Michigan, Chicago State, and Valparaiso, who is the defending champion.
The Braves participated in the Valpo Fall Invitational for the first time last season, placing sixth and shooting two-over-par.
As a younger team, the Braves look to start their season off on the right foot with their three veterans in sophomore Connor Hamm, and fifth-year's Nick Armbrust and John Stillman.
Hamm comes off his freshman season appearing in all 11 tournaments. Connor had a stroke average of 76.69 on the season, swinging his personal-best of 71 (x4). Posting his best finish in the Craft Farms Intercollegiate in 22nd place.
Fifth-years Nick Armbrust and John Stillman bring the most expertise to this Braves roster.
John Stillman had a breakout season last year posting his personal-best of 66 in the Pinetree Intercollegiate. In addition, recording a career-best 78.18 stroke average.
Rounding out the veterans, Nick Armbrust appeared in four out of the 11 tournaments, posting a 81.08 stroke average. Armbrust swung a season-best 77 in two different tournaments.
The Valpo Fall Invitational marks the debut tournament for Alabama State transfer, Max Adams, and freshmen Brody McCarthy, Devin Reichard, and Carter Stevenson.
An England native, Adams has appeared in just 15 rounds in his college career. Eight of those 15 rounds have resulted in scores of par or better. Adams will add experience as he comes in winning two of the six events he played in at Alabama State.
McCarthy comes from Lockport Township, where they qualified for state in each of his four seasons, placing third in 2018. Other accolades include winning the IJGA-CDGA Junior Am in 2020.
In addition, Devin Reichard makes his debut for the Braves. Reichard comes to Bradley from Colombia, MO playing at Rock Bridge High School.
To round out the newcomers, Stevenson comes to Bradley ranking third in the Illinois Golf Class. Stevenson is a three-time regional champion and third place state finisher.
After the Valpo Fall Invitational, the Braves travel to Evansville, IL on Sept. 25th and 26th to participate in the Derek Dolenic Invitational.
