Central golfers claim season’s first title
Central College
INDIANOLA—Seizing a long-awaited opportunity to compete, the Central College men’s golf team rolled to the Simpson Invitational title Wednesday.
After a scheduled tournament at Maryville (Mo.) was cancelled earlier in the week because of snow, the Dutch joined a suddenly expanded 20-team field and fired 298 to edge William Penn, which shot 300. Central’s second unit, the White team, was third at 302. Central’s only other varsity action thus far was in Arizona at the Dutch Desert Shootout March 16.
Senior Alex Huyser (Sully, Lynnville-Sully HS) carded a 1-under-par 70 to take medalist honors ahead of White squad member Drew Osier (sophomore, Austin, Minn.), who shot 71. Sophomore Erik Grunder (Wilton), bouncing back after suffering a season-ending football injury last fall, turned in a 74 to place fifth for the Dutch Black squad, which tied for seventh place at 316. The Central Gray squad was 13th at 328.
“It was a good day overall,” coach Chad Green said. “It was a good start in a big field. A 298 is a good score for this time of year.”
Brent Messmore (junior, Hudson) tied for eighth for Central’s first team with 75. Jason Harvey (senior, Goldfield, Clarion-Goldfield HS) followed at 76 while Justin Livingston (sophomore, Winterset) and Matt Vegter (junior, Morrison, Ill.) each shot 77.
Central heads to Peosta for the Loras Invitational Sunday and Monday at Thunder Hills Country Club.
“There will be some good Wisconsin and Minnesota schools there as well as a lot of Iowa Conference teams,” Green said. “It will be a good field.”
The Dutch did not compete at the Loras tourney last year.
