INDIANAPOLIS, IND.—It was an historic course, a 36-hole day and a challenging field but the Central College men's golf team emerged in a tie for second place in the 15-team, 54-hole Wabash (Ind.) Invitational Monday.
Competing at the par-72 Broadmoor Country Club, a classic Donald Ross design, Central bolted to the 18-hole lead and stands at 296-306—602 through two rounds, tied with Rhodes College (Tenn.), which shot 303-299—602. Wittenberg University (Ohio), ranked No. 7 in the GCAA Division III poll, leads with 297-298—595. Tourney host Wabash College (Ind.) shot 306-297—603 and shares fourth with Centre College (Ky.), which shot 306-293—603, and Webster University (Mo.), which had 309-294—603.
Cole McGriff (junior, Grinnell) is tied for 10th individually at 74-74—148 with
John Oltman (senior, Pella) tied for 17th at 72-78—150.
Kayden Pendergrass (junior, Mount Vernon) delivered his career-best score in the second round and is tied for 21st at 78-73—151 and the team's top player, senior
Harold Dobernecker (Nevada) followed a strong round with his season worst and is at 72-87—159, tied with
Jake Moffett (senior, Mount Pleasant), who shot 78-81—159.
"We hung in there in the second round," said coach
Mel Blasi, who liked the way his team rallied despite an uncharacteristic high score from Dobernecker.
"That 73 for
Kayden Pendergrass was his career low and we needed him," Blasi said. "He and
Cole McGriff both really grinded it out the last nine holes."
Blasi also cited Oltman for an impressive opening round and a steady finish.
"
John Oltman really hung in there after getting off to a rocky start (in his second round)," he said.
It's Central's second 54-hole, two-day tournament of the fall and Blasi said it can be hard to maintain intensity over 36 holes.
"It's tough physically, for sure," he said. "But it's even more difficult mentally because you finish that first 18 and if you've played really well, you realize you have to completely reboot and get ready again. Sometimes that's really hard to do because you've expended a lot of focus and concentration on the first 18. So it is something that takes a little getting used to."
The tourney's final round tees off at 9 a.m. (Eastern Time) Tuesday.
