By Dustin Armbruster

Payton Ruder knows that by signing with Baker University to golf he will be receiving much more than the chance to play 18. Ruder signed his letter of intent on Tuesday morning to golf for the Baker Wildcats out of Baldwin City, Kansas.

Ruder weighed the decision on what college to golf at and attend both on the athletic and academic side as well. He plans on heading into the engineering field. With Baker University’s connections to programs at the University of Kansas as well as opportunities in the Kansas City area, the fit was perfect.

Payton Ruder

Ruder has dropped three strokes per 18 holes off his score from freshman through junior seasons. A three time state qualifier, Ruder had his best season in 2015 firing a 72 and landing in 7th place. Ruder is also the back-to-back defending regional champion. He says though the goal this year is more about getting the entire team to state. Ruder will be the lone senior for this spring 2016 season, a season that got practices underway on Monday.

Coach Mark Watts

Ruder has placed in the top ten 15 times in his career including seven times last spring. He will also look to land on the All-WAC team for a fourth consecutive year after garnering 2nd team honors his freshman season and first team his sophomore and junior year.

But Baker will have to wait. For now Ruder is focused on the spring 2016 season and is glad to have his decision done and out of the way.