WEST DES MOINES – Navigating punishing winds that sent scores skyward, the Central College men's golf team rebounded from a first-round stumble to climb two spots in the 54-hole American Rivers Championships Monday.
South winds gusted to 40 mph at the par-71 Glen Oaks Country Club. While Central saw its score climb from 310 Sunday to 320 Monday, the carnage was worse for most of the field. The University of Dubuque's 318 was the low round of the day and the Spartans held their lead at 290-318—608. Defending champ Luther College is next at 298-321—619 and Nebraska Wesleyan is at 301-320—621. Central is fifth at 310-320—630, followed by Wartburg College at 311-323—634.
"The wind was brutal and Glen Oaks will really penalize a player for an errant shot," coach
Mel Blasi said.
Freshman
Crew Klingner (Williamsburg) surged nine spots to a tie for eighth place in the individual standings at 77-78—155. Carter Ruegsegger of Dubuque is the leader with 69-77--146.
"Crew was really good again today with some hard-fought pars, including a great par-par-par finish," Blasi said.
Carter Yurgae (freshman, West Des Moines, Dowling Catholic HS) is next for Central in a tie for 16th at 78-80—156.
Maison Brandt (freshman, Byron, Ill.) has 78-82—160,
Blake Wynn (junior, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) is at 83-80—163 and
Kayden Pendergrass (senior, Mount Vernon) is at 77-89—166.
Four of Central's five players are competing in their first conference tournament. But Blasi likes the way the young squad is finding its footing.
"In spite of a shaky start, we fought back to right the ship on the latter part of the front nine, then hung in there through the difficult holes on the back," Blasi said. "Our guys are fighters and they have done a nice job of staying in the moment and looking ahead instead of behind."
Tuesday's final round tees off at 9 a.m. The tourney champion receives the conference's automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Championships May 13-16 in Penfield, New York.
