“Our coaches also believed in us and pushed us to be our best out there knowing that every shot counts,” freshman Joseph Gutierrez said after the team’s tournament run.
The Wisconsin men’s golf team secured a tie for third place at the Badger Invitational this Tuesday, finishing the three-day home tournament at nine-under par at the University Ridge Golf Course. The Badgers entered the final round in sixth place at seven-under par after logging team scores of 282 and 287 during the first two rounds. On the final day, Wisconsin shot a two-under 286 to finish with a cumulative 855, matching Western Kentucky in the final standings.
Southern Mississippi Claims the Team Title
Southern Miss captured the tournament championship by finishing at 23-under par, propelled by a blistering 11-under team total in the final round. South Dakota State took second place at 17-under par. Wisconsin and Western Kentucky shared third place at nine-under par. Southern Miss golfer Jake Moffitt claimed the individual tournament title, finishing at 14-under par.
For the Badgers, the opening 18 holes produced their best team score of the week with a six-under par total. They followed it with a one-under par total in the second round before concluding with Tuesday’s two-under par performance.
Freshman Joseph Gutierrez Leads the Badgers
Gutierrez paced the Wisconsin lineup for the second consecutive tournament, tying for 10th place individually at three-under par. He opened the event with a career-best five-under 67, followed it with a two-under 70, and closed with a four-over 76 on Tuesday. Early collegiate success has helped Gutierrez settle into the lineup, a transition he attributes to the program’s culture.
“I’d say my coaches and my teammates helped me get comfortable by their support and drive to win,” Gutierrez said. Regarding the team’s final-round resilience, he added that the squad showed plenty of fight and was willing to give it their all regardless of individual scores.
Cody Guetzke and Individual Performers Spark Final Round
Fellow freshman Cody Guetzke provided a crucial spark on the final day, firing a three-under 69 to help the team climb three spots on the leaderboard. Guetzke finished the tournament tied for 23rd place at one-over par, alongside teammates Jason Schwartz and Drew Sacia. Schwartz recorded rounds of two-under, one-over, and two-over, while Sacia closed out his tournament with a one-under final round. Charles Erlandson tied for 29th place at two-over par after shooting an even-par round on Tuesday.
Several Badgers competed as individuals in Madison. Sophomore Vijay Kumar tied for 16th place at one-under par with rounds of two-under, one-under, and two-over. Senior James Boustead tied for 23rd at one-over par, and sophomore William Harned tied for 29th at two-over par following a two-under round on Tuesday. In a separate event, freshman Braden Nelson competed as an individual at the Goat Hill Championship at Pleasant View Golf Course on Sunday and Monday, finishing seven-over and tying for 13th place after three rounds.
Moraine Intercollegiate Awaits in October
With two stroke-play events completed in the fall slate, Wisconsin sits in the early stages of its season. The squad returns to competition on October 12–13 at the Moraine Intercollegiate in Kettering, Ohio. Gutierrez noted that the team’s refusal to fold on the final day establishes a strong baseline for the weeks ahead.
Wisconsin Ties for Third at Badger Invitational
Where was the 2026 Badger Invitational played?
The tournament took place at the University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin.
What was Wisconsin’s final team score and placement?
The Badgers finished tied for third place with Western Kentucky at nine-under par, totaling 855 strokes across three rounds.
Who won the individual title at the tournament?
Jake Moffitt of Southern Miss won the individual tournament championship, finishing at 14-under par.
When and where is Wisconsin competing next?
The Badgers will travel to Kettering, Ohio, to compete in the Moraine Intercollegiate on October 12–13.