DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — The Delaware Valley University men's golf team, led by Head Coach Dr. Doug Linde, recently traveled to West Virginia for a fall golf trip that combined competitive play with hands-on learning about the golf industry.

The trip featured three rounds of golf—two at Pikewood National Golf Club in Morgantown, West Virginia, and one at West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The experience provided players with the opportunity to meet and learn from two of Dr. Linde's former turf management students who now serve as golf course superintendents.

Joel Foreman '09, superintendent at Pikewood National, and Gabe Wochley '04, superintendent at West Shore, hosted the Aggies at their respective courses. Both alumni joined the team on the course, shared insights about their careers, and offered valuable advice about succeeding in the golf industry—all while reflecting on their time at DelVal.

"Joel and Gabe were incredibly generous with their time and knowledge," said Linde. "These types of trips are great for team camaraderie, which carries over into the spring season. More importantly, the team had an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives."

Six of the seven student-athletes on the trip are turf management majors, and another has professional experience as a caddie. The visit was made possible through the generous support of donors and fundraising efforts, including events like A-Day of Giving.

Pikewood National, currently ranked No. 31 on Golf Digest's list of the top 100 courses in the United States, offered the team a rare opportunity to play a world-class private course with professional caddies. Highlights included a behind-the-scenes tour of the maintenance facility and discussions on course conditioning and management practices.

At West Shore Country Club, Wochley hosted the team for a complimentary round and spoke about his experience balancing the demands of the golf industry with family life.

Team members reflected positively on the experience:

• "Our hosts were very generous in providing this opportunity, and it was obvious how much they love DelVal." — Jack Brennan, Business major

• "One of the unique parts of the trip was learning how a top 100 course is maintained and then being able to play it with the superintendent." — Pat Taylor, Turf Management major

• "Joel inspired me to work hard when he said he knew he wasn't the smartest when starting his career and decided to outwork his coworkers." — Mason Henne, Turf Management major