BURNSVILLE, Minn. - The Concordia-St. Paul men's golf team ranked third in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Wednesday morning. The Golden Bears received two first-place votes for a total of 49 points in the poll. 

The Golden Bears return three golfers that competed in last season's NSIC Tournament. This includes junior Trey Timm who placed 21st at the conference tournament and senior Tommy Marker who placed 25th. Senior Thomas Gutzmer returns and was named the Preseason Player to Watch for the Golden Bears. 

"We're excited about the opportunity this season presents," said head coach Peter Maki. "Our newcomers and underclassmen are going to have a chance to make their mark alongside our talented upperclassmen Tommy, Trey and Thomas."

Gutzmer recorded a 74.95 average last season for the third-best on the team. That was also the ninth-best average in a season in school history. The senior's lowest finish last season came at the Missouri Western Holiday Inn Express Invite where he placed 14th with a three-round score of 216 (+3). 

"We're excited to watch Thomas compete this year," Maki said. "He has had a great summer competing and testing his game. He showed flashes last year taking it low, we look forward to helping him achieve his goals on the golf course this year."

Minnesota State, the reigning NSIC champions, was picked first in the poll with 59 points and six first-place votes. Winona State didn't receive a first-place vote, but finished second in the poll with 55 points. Bemidji State came in fourth with 46 points and Sioux Falls came in fifth with 39 points and the last first-place vote. 

Sioux Falls senior Mason Weeks was voted as the NSIC Men's Golf Preseason Golfer of the Year. Weeks was an All-NSIC First Team selection last season and tied for ninth at the NSIC Championships. 

The Golden Bears open the 2024-25 campaign on Sept. 9-10 at Mules National Golf Club in Warrensburg, Missouri for The Mule hosted by Central Missouri. CSP's home meet this year will take place Sept. 16-17 at Troy Burne Golf Club in Hudson, Wisconsin. 

Thomas Gutzmer (6-1, L, Sr., Jordan, Minn. / Jordan HS / St. John's)

• CSC Academic All-District

• Ninth-best scoring average in a season at 74.95 in 2023-24

• Posted 19th-best average in NSIC during the 2023-24 season

• Tied for 14th shooting 216 (+3) at the Missouri Western Holiday Inn Express Invite

• Tied for 16th at the Bemidji State Invitational shooting 149 (+7)

• Tallied five top-30 finishes last season