Central, Livingston capture men’s golf spring break tourney
Central College
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. —Central College coasted to a 20-shot victory in its season-opening men’s golf tournament Saturday at the Hamilton College (N.Y.) Saints Invitational.
Justin Livingston (junior, Winterset) claimed victory in the medalist race with a 69 at the par-72 Saints Golf Course at Port St. Lucie, Fla.
“Justin played really well and had an exceptional score on the front nine with a 32,” coach Chad Green said.
The Dutch shot a 3-under par 285 in the one-day tournament. Hamilton followed at 305 with Wis.-Lutheran College at 308 and the Central White team at 310. Chicago State University (Ill.) and Wesleyan University (Conn.) dropped out of the tournament.
“We talk about playing the course and not the competition but it’s good to start off the season with a win,” Green said.
Matt Vegter (senior, Morrison, Ill.) took runner-up honors with a two-under par 70. Brent Messmore (senior, Hudson) shot even par and Adam Squires (freshman, Waterloo, Columbus HS) shot 74. Brent Goodenow (senior, Johnston) had 75 and Travis Havens (senior, Belmond, Belmond-Klemme HS) rounded out the Red squad with 87.
“Matt hit the ball well and had a great start to his last season of college golf,” Green said. “Messmore probably had the worst start of anybody but came back to play the last 17 holes 3-under par. He stayed mentally focused and we can always count on him for a good score.
“Adam was kind of our sixth player throughout fall and it was good to see him come out today with a solid score,” Green said.
The tournament format featured six players and counted the top four scores. Complete results were not available.
Clayton Curwin (freshman, Faribault, Minn., Shattuck St. Mary’s HS) led the White team with 73 followed by Erik Grunder (junior, Wilton) with 77. Tyler Woodruff (freshman, Tucson, Ariz., Salpointe Catholic HS) shot 78 followed by Drew Osier (junior, Austin, Minn.) with 82 and Jon Prescott (freshman, Mendota, Ill.) with 83.
“Clayton is continuing his good play from the fall,” Green said. “Erik didn’t play so well on the front but turned it around and did well on the back nine. Same with Woodruff—he turned it around after not doing so well on the front nine.”
Green was encouraged by the performance.
“The players exceeded my expectations,” he said. “If we had shot in the mid-290s I would have been happy. It’s a great way to start the season and hopefully we can build off this performance. If we continue to throw out a 75 we’ll be tough to beat.”
Central returns to action at the Simpson Invitational March 27, played at the Indianola Country Club in Indianola.
