Parker Burman – Staff Writer

Playing in their first meet of the season this past weekend the Gustavus men’s golf team looked to start their spring off strong. Battling below freezing temperatures and strong winds, the Gusties did just that in the Bobby Krig Invitational at the New Prague Golf Club. Finishing with a combined score of 299 and 15 over par the Gustavus men were able to secure first place.
Gustavus was able to claim the victory by a nine shot margin, edging out Bethel University. Leading the way for the Gusties was Senior Carter Czichotzki carding a three-over par 74, for a third place finish. Czichotzki pared fifteen of eighteen holes, with bogies on the other three.
“I was happy with my individual performance. I didn’t have my best stuff and need to be sharper with my wedges and irons going forward. My chipping and putting were solid and I continued to grind throughout the round which I was happy about. I hope to continue to play well and be consistent throughout the remainder of the year,” Czichotzki said.
Tying for fourth place were Sophomore Ben Forsberg, Senior Jacob Pedersen, and Senior Max Ullan, with a score of 75. “We finished the fall with two strong events and worked really hard this winter. It was great to see that carryover with a win in our first opportunity to compete this spring,” Ullan said.
On the second team Sophomore Tommy Hiniker tied for ninth with a score of 76. On team three Junior Jack Holton shot a 79 to put him in spot 23 of 60 golfers. Overall the Gusties placed five golfers in the top nine and eight in the top 18. These strong individual performances helped drive the team towards victory.
The weather out on the course had an affect both on the play but also on the mindset of the golfers. “It was windy but the sun was out which was nice. The weather impacted my mindset. I knew the course was playing a little more difficult than it usually does and that pars were a good score. I stayed patient and didn’t get upset when I didn’t have birdie opportunities. I would have enjoyed making a birdie or two throughout my round as I had zero but I also accepted pars,” Czichotzki said.
“It wasn’t that horrible compared to what we’ve played in the last couple weeks. It was still not ideal by any means but everyone is playing in the same conditions. We just try to control what we can control and not get wrapped up in it,” Ullan said.
The Gusties are feeling confident after finishing first and are hoping to carry that success forward. “Overall I thought our team played pretty well. It wasn’t our best performance but it was also our first tournament this spring and we’ve had limited time to practice and play outside because of the weather. I know we will continue to progress and get better this week and I am looking forward to the upcoming tournaments and our push to make the NCAA tournament, ” Czichotzki said.
Ullan shared a similar sentiment. “I’m really excited for this spring. I think our depth, work ethic, and preparation were shown by our performance. We got the most we could out of the event, and did not let the cold get to us,” Ullan said.
“I’m really excited for this spring, I think our depth, work ethic, and preparation were shown by our performance.”
Gusties will next ravel to Sartel, Minnesota to compete in the Saint John’s University Invitational on Saturday April 23.