Lake Forest College Men’s Golf Predicted to Finish First in SLIAC Preseason Poll
Lake Forest College’s men’s golf team is the preseason favorite for the 2026 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC), according to the league’s coaches poll released Monday. The Foresters received 134 points and four first-place votes.
The team returns four of its top six players from a second-place finish last season. Junior Tyler Wengronowitz led the team with a 74.5 average, while Tyler Schick, Ben Shamberg, sophomore Tyler Poker, and freshman Jack Lee are expected to play key roles this season.
Two-time defending champion Missouri Western State University (MUW) placed second in the poll with 126 points and five first-place votes. The Griffons will have a largely new lineup, with only Cameron James returning. James averaged 76.6 strokes per round last fall. Head Coach Benji Williams has added transfers, including Bryce Denley, who led the team with a 73.8 average.
Webster University was picked fourth with 102 points. The Gorloks will be led by Nico Marin, who averaged 75.7 strokes per round, and Cole Makgill. Erik Malmgren is among the new players to watch, posting a 76.4 average during the fall.
Spalding University tied for fifth place with 88 points. The Golden Eagles will rely on their returning lineup, led by Brady Westwood, who averaged 76.3. Illinois College also received 88 points, tying for fifth, with seniors Myles Kampwerth and Teddy Walbaum leading the team.
Other notable teams include Knox College, which received 81 points, and Grinnell College, with 76 points. Knox’s Pranav Nandakumar led the team with a 73.9 average, while Grinnell’s Roger Smith averaged 76.2 after last fall. The Pioneers have added five freshmen, including Spencer Moody, who averaged 74.8.
Monmouth College received 51 points, and Blackburn College totaled 43 points. Monmouth’s Kevin Hall and Talon Horton are experienced players, while Blackburn features four seniors on its roster. Westminster College and Greenville also received votes, with Westminster earning 39 points and Greenville 32. Eureka College closed the poll with 24 points, returning Connor Scott, who averaged 86.3 last fall.
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