The Gustavus Men’s Golf Team competed in its first tournament of the 2019 season last weekend at the Pioneer Creek Invite in Maple Plain, MN. In a field that featured eight Division III teams and a number of Division I players competing as individuals, the Gusties took second place as a team.
Before traveling to the Pioneer Creek Invite, the Gusties played one dual match against St. Thomas on August 30 at Le Sueur Country Club. In their first outing of the year, the Gusties posted a 10-over 290, while St. Thomas carded a six-under 274.
Senior Ben Hauge was the low-scorer for the Gusties with an even-par 70 that was good for a tie for fourth place. First Year Wyatt Wasko also scored a 70 to lead the second team of Gusties.
Junior Carter Czichotski was one stroke behind with a 71, also for the Gusties’ second team.
Senior Joe Foley carded a 73 for the Gusties’ top squad, while Sophomore Jacob Pederson, First Year Khrystjan Petersen, and Junior Max Ullan all shot 74.
“I like the way that we grinded and we’re looking forward to sharpening up just a few things as we prepare for next weekend’s tournament. Ben posted a good number for us today with a 33 on the back nine. Wyatt and Carter posted good numbers on our second team,” Head Coach Scott Moe said.
Hauge and Ullan led the Gusties in the first round at the Pioneer Creek Invite, each posting a 73, which slotted them in 24th place overall. Khrystjan Petersen came in one stroke behind with a 74, and Jacob Pedersen rounded out the Gusties’ top four with a 77.
Carter Czichotski posted a 74 as an individual in round one.
“We went with a pretty conservative approach for the first round, where par is a good score and hoping that birdies will happen. For the most part, we played smart and didn’t attack tough pins. We eliminated the big holes that got us last week. Pioneer Creek is in great shape and we hope to take advantage of the pure greens tomorrow and roll in some putts,” Moe said after day one.
The final two rounds of the tournament were both played on Sunday, and featured some solid golf from the Black and Gold.
After posting the best second round score of any team, the Gusties finished with scores of 297-290-293-880 and jumped up to second place overall.
Max Ullan led the Gusties in the final two rounds, finishing with rounds of 70 and 72 to total 215 that was good for 15th place overall. Ullan’s score was the fourth best among Division III players.
Khrystjan Petersen shot 70 and 76 in his final two rounds and finished in 27th place. Jacob Pedersen wasn’t far behind after carding 74 and 70 on the second day to finish in 31st place.
Ben Hauge rounded out the Gusties’ top four with scores of 84 and 75 to finish with a 232 overall.
“I am very pleased with our weekend. The course was playing tougher than it did last year and we improved by 13 shots. Everybody contributed during the weekend. Max had a great event. Khrystjan and Jacob played well. Ben had two very good rounds and Joe [Foley] came up big during our second round,” Coach Moe said.
“Our team is feeling positive about how we’ve played so far this year but we know that we’re going to have to keep improving if we want to stay competitive this year. We’ve added depth to our team this year and have a lot more competition within the team with regard to who will play on our top team,” Senior Ben Hauge said.
The next time out for the Gusties will be their annual alumni match on September 14th at Le Sueur Country Club. They will then travel to Sauk Centre and Sartell, MN for the Saint John’s Invite on September 21-22.
“We have a few things to tidy up before our next event, but very much looking forward to our alumni match this next Saturday. Following that, we will prepare for the Saint John’s tournament. I like the direction we are heading,” Moe said.