Pella Christian senior Deacon Branderhorst signed his national letter of intent to continue his academic and golf careers at Dordt University on Thursday Morning.

This past spring, Deacon helped lead the Eagles to a runner-up finish at the Class 2A State Golf Tournament in Ames. Pella Christian was one stroke back of Grundy Center after the opening day of the tourney, before several rounds of rain called off the second day and ended the tournament. Branderhorst claimed an individual medal for his efforts at State, shooting a 2 over par 73 to take fifth place after breaking a three-way tie for fifth. Deacon broke the school record for the lowest round shot in tournament last spring, firing a 69 at the Little Hawkeye Conference Championship meet at Newton’s Westwood Golf Course on May 6th. Branderhorst says that one of the key factors in his decision to attend Dordt was the community aspect of the school and men’s golf program.

“One of the things I really loved about Dordt is their motives. All of them are really hard-working, and all love each other, and all love God at the same time and that’s just a community I want to surround myself with, a bunch of guys working hard towards one goal and having God on their mind at the same time.”

Away from the golf course, Deacon was a part of four State Qualifying cross country teams and is currently preparing for his third season as a member of the Pella Christian varsity boys basketball team.

Hear more from Deacon Branderhorst about his decision to join the Dordt men’s golf team next year on Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page.