NORMAL, ILL.—A hot putter fueled a fast start for Central College freshman Harold Dobernecker (Nevada) who earned all-tournament honors at the Illinois Wesleyan Invitational men's golf tourney Saturday.
           
Dobernecker shot 75-74—149 to take ninth place individually in the 36-hole tourney. He was 2-under-par after 12 holes Saturday on the par-72 Ironwood Golf Course.
           
Central climbed a notch to take 11th in the 20-team field with 316-314—630. No. 5-ranked Illinois Wesleyan shot 283-299—582 for a 10-shot victory over Aurora University (Ill.). The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire was third at 303-311—614. The Dutch were tied with Wabash College (Ind.) Friday but finished with a seven-shot advantage.
           
"Harold drove it really well and he made a few putts early that got him under par," coach Mel Blasi said. "That helps you relax and you get in a groove. He's a good player. He uses his head and plays smart."
           
Lucas Wendel (sophomore, Le Claire, Pleasant Valley HS) matched Dobernecker Saturday and shot 85-74—159.
           
"Lucas played excellent golf," Blasi said. "For the last 24 holes, he was only 2-over after playing the first 12 holes 13-over yesterday. He was really solid tee-to-green and he also got it up-and-down to made a couple birdies that really helped him, too."
           
Dustin Haines (sophomore, Sigourney) had 76-83—159, Jacob Moffett (freshman, Mount Pleasant) shot 80-83—163, and Kyle Gabos (sophomore, Plymouth, Minn., Maple Grove HS) shot 87-85—172.
           
Playing as an at-large entrant, John Oltman (freshman, Pella) shot 81-83—164.
           
"Putting four scores together is going to be the key to be more competitive against teams like this," Blasi said.
           
Central is off next weekend and returns to Illinois April 17-18 for the Milllikin University Take Back the Night Challenge at the South Side Country Club in Decatur, Illinois.
           
"I think we have six or seven guys that are going to compete for those top five spots," Blasi said. "I like the competition we've had week after week because it gives you an idea of who really loves the game and can hang in there. But then it's also nice to have a weekend in between so you can get some qualifying in and see how they do against each other."