BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Carleton College senior
Sam Higaki captured medalist honors at the MIAC Men's Golf Championships.
Justin Rodriguez tied for seventh place, and the Knights finished the 54-hole tournament at Edinburgh Golf Course in fourth place out of nine teams.
"The team ended the fall season with a great round today," said Carleton head coach
Sloan Wallgren. "A big congrats to Sam and Justin for finishing Top 10, earning all-tournament team, and all-conference. A special congrats to Sam for being the medalist for the event, that was some great golf to watch."
Bethel University captured the team title with a score of 883 (+19, 302-290-291). Saint John's University came in as the runner-up at +35 (313-291-295), followed by Concordia College at +38 (303-292-307), and the Knights placed fourth as a team at +40 (308-298-298).
Higaki carded a final-round 71 (-1) and finished the tournament at three-under-par 213 (70-72-71), matching the tenth-lowest score in MIAC Men's Golf Championship history. He also became the 16th player in recorded MIAC Men's Golf history to earn All-Championship Team honors four times. He is the second Knight in the past three years to earn the title of individual conference champion, after Ryan Choi won in 2024. In taking home medalist honors, Higaki also earned Edinburgh's exemption to the 2027 Minnesota State Open.
Rodriguez shot two-over-par in the final round and tied for seventh place overall with a 54-hole total of 222 (+6, 77-71-74). He joined his senior teammate on the All-Championships team by virtue of a Top 10 individual finish. Both Knights will receive All-MIAC status when the all-conference squad is announced after the spring portion of the season.
Dillon Croco concluded the tournament with a 75 (+3) to move up six spots and finish 19th on the leaderboard. The junior's final numbers were 232 (+16, 75-82-75).
Austin Mak carded a six-over-par 78 and was Carleton's other scorer during the final round. He finished the event in 36th place with a final score of 240 (+24, 86-76-78).
Eli Slifer finished day three with a score of 84 (+12).
Up Next for the Knights
This concludes the fall portion of the Knights' schedule. The spring schedule will be posted when it is available.
