Hansen fires 73 for Central men’s golf squad
Central Dutch Athletics
EDINA, MINN.—Climbing two spots in the standings, the Central College men’s golf team turned in its best round of the weekend to finish the 54-hole Gustavus Adolphus (Minn.) Twin Cities Classic in a tie for 11th place Monday.
The Dutch had the fourth-lowest round of the day as scores soared for most of the competitive 14-team field. Central closed at 324-315-307—946, bolstered by a 1-over-par 73 by Zach Hansen (senior, Nevada) at the Edina Country Club. That’s just a shot off his career-best 72 and his lowest ever relative to par, as his 72 was recorded at the par-70 Edmundson Golf Course in Oskaloosa in 2015. He closed at 81-83-73-237.
St. John’s (Minn.) won the team crown with 294-295-313—902 with the University of Manitoba next at 307-308-300—915 and Wis.-Eau Claire third at 298-301-319—918. American Rivers Conference rival Nebraska Wesleyan dipped to ninth at 312-304-320—936 and Luther tied for 14th at 314-330-322—966.
Kobe Rhodes (junior, Glenwood) was Central’s top finisher, tying for 28th at 80-74-80—234. Trenton Sann (senior, Clarion, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows HS) closed with a flourish as well at 77-85-75—237, while Nick Walker (junior, Naperville, Ill., Neuqua Valley HS) had 86-75-81—242 and Drew Mendoza (senior, Manitou Springs, Colo.) shot 86-83-79—248.
Playing as an at-large individual, Nash Bucher (senior, Huxley, Ballard HS) shot 79-85-88—252.
“We played really well today, especially on the front nine,” said coach Mel Blasi. “I was extremely pleased with the play of Zach Hansen and Trent Sann. They kep the ball in the fairway and were very consistent with their iron play. Drew Mendoza was also very steady.”
It was the season opener for the Dutch and a first look at the squad for Blasi, in his debut season at Central.
“We improved our play each day of the tournament and everyone contributed,” Blasi said. “This tournament was a good measuring stick for us, and we know now we have a long way to go to be where we want to be.”
Central travels to La Crosse, Wisconsin for the Ronnie Eastman Invitational next Monday and Tuesday.
