IOWA CITY—Matt Briggs (sophomore, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) put together back-to-back competitive rounds and took medalist honors at the Central Fall Classic men's golf tournament Tuesday while leading the Dutch to the team crown.
           
Briggs fired a 2-over-par 72-74--146 at the par-72 Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City. He outdistanced teammate Harold Dobernecker (sophomore, Nevada), who was second at 76-78—154.
           
"Matt played fantastic both days," coach Mel Blasi said. "Again, he drove the ball well. It's all about putting the ball in good position to get in a good spot on the green. Harold did that, too. He didn't make a lot of birdies but he made eight pars in a row coming in, which was huge for him."
            Central was an easy winner in the 13-team tourney with 311-316—627 with Coe College at 321-326—647, Central's White team at 334-325-649 and Loras at 323-330—653.
           
Freshman Drew Rogers (Sullivan, Ill.) placed 11th at 78-83--161, Lucas Wendel (junior, Le Claire, Pleasant Valley HS) shot 85-82--167 and Kyle Gabos (junior, Plymouth, Minn., Maple Grove HS) had 86-82--168.
           
"I wasn't that pleased with our team score," Blasi said. "We're a better team than that, but this course can humble you. It showed us our weaknesses. We've got a lot to work on. But it's still good to win a tournament."
           
Conditions were ideal, Blasi said, but most of the field had higher scores than in Monday's first round.
           
"The pins were definitely in harder locations today," Blasi said. "And the greens were extremely fast. They were the fastest greens we've played on this fall. They were probably running 13-plus on the Stimpmeter."
           
John Oltman (sophomore, Pella) and Dustin Haines (junior, Sigourney) were the top White team finishers, tying for sixth. Oltman shot 80-80—160 and Haines had 83-79—162. Drake Hamilton (freshman, Westlake, Texas, Keller HS) tied for eighth at 79-85—164.
           
"I was really proud of the White team," Blasi said. "We've got five or six guys fighting for those last spots on the varsity."
           
The lone remaining tournament on the Dutch fall season schedule is the Grand View Invitational Oct. 18-19 at the Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny.
           
"That will give us a chance to see some different competition," Blasi said. "A lot of guys are familiar with the course and it's a course I really like. It will be a nice way to close the fall season. We've had a good season."