EUGENE, Ore. – As the Bushnell University men's golf team dives headlong into the 2026-2027 season, the focus extends well beyond scorecards and tournament finishes.
 
First-year head coach Nathan Wiedenmann is establishing a culture built on honesty, integrity, accountability, and faith, and the Beacons are developing g a program defined as much by character as competitive success.
 
The foundation was laid early during the team's preseason retreat, where coaches and athletes established clear expectations and a team-first mentality. That buy-in has been evident early.
 
"This group of athletes has been great to work with," said Coach Wiedenmann. "We set the tone early at our team retreat with a standard of honesty, integrity, and accountability. These guys embraced that from the beginning and created a team-first philosophy."
 
That culture has produced a squad known for its positive attitude, intentional approach, and commitment to continual improvement. Rather than becoming consumed by results, the Beacons have embraced a process-focused mindset centered on execution.
 
"We talk quite a bit about letting go of the result and focusing on the execution," Wiedenmann explained. "That can be extremely difficult at times, but our athletes are intentionally working toward that objective."
 
Meet the Beacons
 
The strength of the Bushnell men's golf team lies in the unique qualities each player brings to the program. From a competitive standpoint, expectations are high. A strong returning core combined with a talented freshman and transfer class has created optimism for what the Beacons can accomplish.
 
"I've been pleasantly surprised with our freshman and transfer class and the impact they are making," said the coach. "I believe we have the capabilities to finish in the top third of the conference. This team is committed to our coaching philosophy, puts in the work, and is patiently discovering another gear."
 
Returners
 
Senior Connor Cameron (Calgary, Alberta) – Cameron brings energy and enthusiasm every day. Known for his sense of humor and love for the game, he is a dedicated worker who consistently seeks growth.
 
Senior Cody Adams (Hermiston, Ore.) – Adams has become the embodiment of a program player. His commitment to development, work ethic, and ability to make the best of every situation reflect the values he brings to the team.

Senior Shawn Petty (Bakersfield, Calif.) – Petty sets the standard for intentionality. Whether in the weight room, through personal discipline, or during competition, his fierce competitive spirit is evident in everything he does.
 
Senior Talon Larson (Eugene, Ore.) – Larson is a source of positivity for the Beacons. Always eager to learn and improve, he brings joy and optimism wherever he goes.
 
Junior Peyton Wiedenmann (Springfield, Ore.) - Wiedenmann serves as one of the team's quiet leaders. Self-disciplined, dependable, and relentlessly team-oriented, he earns the respect of teammates and coaches through his consistency.
 
Junior Jacob Holmes (Fernley, Nev.) – Holmes is one of the fiercest competitors on the roster. His all-business mindset and relentless drive make him a vital part of the team's identity.
 
Junior Trison Hedges (Springfield, Ore.) – Hedges embodies perseverance. A tireless grinder, he continually works through challenges and refuses to give up, qualities that have become invaluable to the program.
 
Sophomore Tyler Mikel (Crow, Ore.) – Mikel is the ultimate team player. His selfless attitude and willingness to put the team first make him one of the program's most valued leaders.
 
Sophomore Will Plenkovich (Lynden, Wash.) – Plenkovich stands out for his heart and dedication. His deep care for both the team and his personal development is reflected in his daily commitment to improvement.
 
Sophomore Trent Parks (Eugene, Ore.) – Parks consistently brings purpose and intentionality to every practice and competition. His positive attitude has made him an important presence within the program.
 
Newcomers
 
Senior Luke Fenner (Tumwater, Wash./Waldorf University) – An NAIA veteran, Fenner has quickly become an invaluable leader. Competing at a high level while seamlessly integrating into the team, Fenner provides outstanding leadership both on and off the course.
 
Freshman Lincoln Wiedenmann (Springfield, Ore./Thurston HS) -  Wiedenmann combines a fierce competitive nature with genuine care for his teammates. He demands excellence from himself while remaining deeply invested in the team's success.
 
Freshman Taylor Hvass (Eugene, Ore./South Eugene HS) – Hvass continues to show steady growth with every opportunity. His work ethic, positivity, and commitment to excellence exemplify the culture Bushnell is developing.
 
Freshman Samuel Tunstill (Lebanon, Ore./Lebanon HS) – Tunstill has emerged as one of the program's fastest-growing student-athletes, showing development athletically, academically, and spiritually.
 
Freshman Ryland Carroll (Lebanon, Ore./Lebanon HS) – Carroll possesses tremendous talent and potential. A skilled golfer with all the tools necessary to make a major impact, he continues to raise his game through hard work and dedication.
 
Season Outlook
 
The 2026-2027 season has gotten off to a strong start with a pair of tournaments under their belts. After two Beacon teams swept the top two spots at the Bushnell-Corban Dual, the squad posted an impressive third-place finish at the Oregon Tech Invitational to start Cascade Conference action. In that tournament, Bushnell earned one of their best-ever three-round scores (880) and had a collective one-under par 287 in the second round, for their fourth-lowest card in school history.
 
The coaching staff believes the program is moving in the right direction, combining talented golfers with a shared vision and strong values. Wiedenmann said, "Overall, as a golf program, we are heading in the right direction. We have great human beings, skilled golfers, and a distinct vision for what we're trying to build."

As Bushnell pushes into the heart of the season, the Beacons believe their greatest strength lies in the culture they've created. With a roster filled with competitors, servant leaders, relentless workers, and individuals committed to personal growth, the program has established a foundation capable of producing success both on the course and in life.
 
The Beacons may be chasing conference standings and tournament victories, but the vision is larger than golf. Through faith, accountability, and a commitment to one another, Bushnell men's golf is working to build something that will leave a lasting impact long after the final round is complete.
 
UP NEXT: The Beacons head to Montana next week for the Beartooth Invitational, hosted by Rocky Mountain College at Laurel Golf Club.