Central men’s golf squad battles conditions at Drake tourney

WEST DES MOINES—Chilly winds and precarious greens at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club made for a tough opening day for a young Central College’s young men’s golf squad Monday at the Zach Johnson Invitational.

Drake University is hosting the six-team tourney which opened with 36 holes and concludes with an 18-hole round Tuesday.

Freshman Harold Dobernecker (freshman, Nevada) persevered with 79-79—158, carding four birdies and an eagle in his first round, while Kyle Gabos (sophomore, Plymouth, Minn., Maple Grove HS) and freshman Matt Briggs (Burlington, Notre Dame HS) each shot 83-81—164. Nic Kauffman (freshman, Victoria, Minn., Chanhassen HS) followed with 83-84—167 while Mitch McComber (senior, Redlands, Calif., Citrus Valley HS) shot 88-90—178.

Missouri State leads with 308-305—613, followed by Iowa Western at 313-306—619 and Drake at 303-316—619. The Dutch are last with 328-325—653.

“The weather was difficult but it was also a really difficult course set-up,” coach Mel Blasi said. “These are the fastest greens we’ve played on this year by far and the pin placements were really tough.

“But I was very pleased with the way the guys adjusted to that. They kept grinding. We made a lot of birdies but we just had a few too many bad holes.

“Playing golf courses like this can only benefit us.”