SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota men's golf team was picked to finish in fourth place alongside North Dakota State, the league office announced Thursday. Senior Matt Tolan was tabbed as USD's golfer to watch.
 
"The Summit League is very competitive once again and will make for an exciting championship," head men's golf coach John Vining said. "I love the group we have and the opportunity in front of us. It has been a long 11 months for our student-athletes. All programs are chomping at the bit for a chance at the Summit League title."
 
Tolan took advantage of the NCAA granting all spring athletes an extra year of eligibility and is back for his final season. He averaged 72.06 strokes per round in 18 rounds in 2019-20. He shot a low round of 68 last season with three top-10 placings.
 
Juniors Ben Hicks and Justin Kolb also recorded 18 rounds of action last season for the Coyotes. Hicks earned a Co-Golfer of the Week honor last season after recording a low round of 67 while Kolb recorded a low round of 70. Hicks averaged 73.78 strokes per round while Kolb averaged 73.83 strokes per round.
 
The Coyotes return six golfers and feature three new golfers in Ben Daane, Nick LaMotte and Ryan Neff.
 
USD is set to hit the links for the first time this season at the Southern Invite in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 1-2.  

2021 Men's Golf  Preseason Poll

Program	Points
1. Denver	49 (7)
2. South Dakota State	33
3. Oral Roberts	31
T4. South Dakota	28
T4. North Dakota State	28
6. Omaha	25
T7. North Dakota	15 (1)
T7. Western Illinois	15