Sophomore Andrew Oakes leads the Gusties at the Gordin Classic with a score of 37-37-74 (+2) after day one.
The Gustavus men’s golf team shot a collective 301 (+13) and are sitting in a tie for seventh place after the first round of the Gordin Classic NCAA D3 Preview on Sunday in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. Methodist University leads the 18-team tournament held at the Mission Inn Resort with a score of 292 (+4); Illinois Wesleyan is in second at 295 (+7) and Huntingdon College is one stroke behind at 296 (+8).
Andrew Oakes shot one-over-par on both the front and back nine (37-37-74) for the Gusties and is tied for 17th place in a field of 92 golfers. Simon Erlandsson is one stroke behind Oakes at 38-37-75 (+3) and is tied for 29th place, while Alex Kolquist and Trevor Gervais are tied for 33rd with scores of 38-38-76 and 37-39-76, respectively. The fifth member of Gustavus squad, Tyler McMorrow, shot a 37-42-79 (+7) and is tied for 61st.
“We did not capitalize on any close birdie chances,” Gustavus Head Coach Scott Moe said after the first round. “We played steady enough to keep us in it, but we need to get some putts to fall tomorrow.”
As a team, Gustavus recorded 12 birdies and 52 pars.
Ben Nihart of Greensboro College leads the field with a first round total of 32-35-67 (-5). Dennis Granath of Saint John’s University and Mike Duncan of Methodist are tied for second place with identical scores of 35-36-71 (-1).
The second round of the three-day event will resume Monday.