Graceland Men’s Golf Closes Fall Season at Heart Conference Preview

SMITHVILLE, Mo. – Oct. 21, 2025 – The Graceland University men's golf team wrapped up its fall campaign with a ninth-place finish at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Fall Preview, hosted at the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex – Outlaw Course. The Yellowjackets posted a two-day team score of 669 (337-332) in their final tournament of the semester.

Competing on the 6,819-yard, par-72 course, the event served as a key opportunity for Graceland to assess its roster against conference competition and prepare for the spring championship season.

Paramananthan Leads Yellowjackets with Steady Ball Striking

Jonathan Paramananthan led the Yellowjackets, finishing T-20th with rounds of 81-79 for a 160 (+16) total. The junior stayed composed through both rounds, using consistent tee-to-green play to manage the course's narrow fairways and guarded greens.

Behind Paramananthan, Colton Dennis carded 88-80—168 (+24) to finish T-35th. A second-round bounce back moved him up the leaderboard with improved control on approach shots.

Clayton Wichman and Kallum Webb tied for 38th overall, both finishing with matching totals of 171 (+27). Each opened with an 84 and followed with 87 in the second round, anchoring Graceland's middle lineup. Trevor Shelton rounded out the scoring with rounds of 88-86—174 (+30), placing 46th.

Yellowjackets Hold Position in Deep Conference Field

Graceland's 669 team total placed them ninth out of ten teams in a field that featured top performances from nationally competitive programs. Missouri Valley College won the tournament with a team score of 591 (294-297), highlighted by medalist Felipe Suarez, who shot 68-70—138 (-6).

MidAmerica Nazarene and Mount Mercy rounded out the top three, posting team totals of 607 and 618, respectively. Several individuals carded rounds at or near par, signaling the elevated level of competition within the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Despite their placement, the Yellowjackets showed notable improvement in the second round, dropping five strokes as a team from the first day and displaying stronger course management during windy conditions on Day 2.

Coach Brunner Reflects on Fall Progression

"This team has taken a lot of positive steps this fall," said head coach Kevin Brunner. "We've focused heavily on shot discipline, course planning, and mental preparation—and we saw all of those areas improve throughout the semester. Jonathan's finish was a great example of playing smart golf under pressure."

Brunner emphasized that the fall schedule offered valuable experience that will shape the spring approach.

"Now that we've competed on the same course that will host the spring championship, we know where our opportunities lie," he added. "We're going to use the offseason to fine-tune our short game and eliminate big numbers. If we do that, I like where we're headed."

Looking Ahead to Spring Championship Season

With the conclusion of the fall portion of the 2025–26 schedule, the Yellowjackets now turn their attention to offseason preparation. The team will return to Paradise Pointe in the spring for the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship, where they aim to build on lessons from this event.

The fall season featured steady development from returners and new contributors alike, with a focus on improving scoring average, tournament consistency, and team cohesion.

For more information on Graceland men's golf and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com