WEST DUNDEE, ILL.—Sophomore
Harold Dobernecker (Nevada) continued his torrid start, firing a 1-under-par 70 as the Central College men's golf team stands third after the opening round in the 16-team Carthage (Wis.) Fall Invitational Friday.
Competing at the par-71 Randall Oaks Golf Club, Dobernecker is tied for second place individually, one shot off the lead. Dobernecker finished under par in his final round at the Transylvania (Ky.) Invitational last weekend.
"Harold is playing really steady," coach
Mel Blasi said. "He's staying away from trouble and making a lot of pars. He's playing his game. His wedge game and his putting have been really good the last couple of weeks."
Seeing the course for the first time, Central shot 292. Calvin University (Mich.) and Millikin University (Ill.) share the 18-hole lead at 289. Aurora University (Ill.) and preseason No. 1-ranked Illinois Wesleyan University are tied for fourth at 295.
"There are a lot of really good schools here," Blasi said. "We had a very competitive attitude. We came in with a lot of confidence from last week and carried that right into today."
Lucas Wendel (junior, LeClaire, Pleasant Valley HS) shot 72,
Matt Briggs (sophomore, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) had 74,
Dustin Haines (junior, Sigourney) shot 76 and
Drew Rogers (freshman, Sullivan, Ill.) had 77.
Kyle Gabos (junior, Plymouth Grove, Minn., Maple Grove HS), playing as an at-large entrant, had 77.
A double bogey on No. 17 was the only blemish on Wendel's card.
"Lucas was very steady off the tee," Blasi said. "He's had lots of wedge practice and it's paying off. He's making birdies when he gets the opportunity."
Briggs also drew praise.
"Matt played as well tee-to-green as anybody," Blasi said. "Those three players have been really tough the last couple of weeks."
The tourney concludes Saturday afternoon as temperatures are expected to soar.
"The course will be tougher tomorrow," Blasi said. "The greens started drying out at the end of the round today."
