GENEVA, WIS.— Tougher pin placements and winder conditions hampered the Central College men's golf team Tuesday in the final round of the Carthage (Wis.) Firebird Fall Invitational Tuesday.
           
Aurora University (Ill) climbed from second place to win the team title at 295-285—580. Central was eighth of 17 teams in 300-319—619. Aurora's Caleb Negley was the medalist with an even par score of 70-70—140.
           
The second day was much more difficult for the Dutch on the par-70 Hawks View Golf Course as they were 19 strokes off their round one score.
           
"We really struggled to get anything today," coach Mel Blasi said. "This was a very challenging course with small greens and tight tee shots. We made some big numbers on the front nine that hurt us early on."
           
After sharing the lead through 18 holes, freshman Maison Brandt (freshman, Byron, Ill.) struggled with an 82 on day two. He finished tied for 19th with a 70-82—162 total.
           
"Overall, it was a really good tournament for Mason," Blasi said. "He just had a couple of bad holes to keep him from being in the top 10."
           
Three other Dutch players all tied for 36th: Bautista Valeiras (freshman, Naples, Fla., Gulf Coast HS) carded a 77-79—156. Crew Klingner (freshman, Williamsburg) shot 78-78—156 and Kayden Pendergrass (senior, Mount Vernon) totaled 76-80—156.
           
Carter Yurgae (freshman, West Des Moines, Dowling Catholic HS) rounded out the lineup in 53rd at 77-82—159. Playing as an at-large entrant, Blake Wynn (junior, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) had an 86-79—165 to tie for 80th.
           
Central is back to Wisconsin next weekend for the Frank Wrigglesworth Invitational at Eau Claire Golf & Country Club in Altoona. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire will host that tournament on September 15 and 16.
           
"Through two tournaments we've definitely learned some things we need to work on," Blasi said."