IOWA CITY, Iowa – On a brisk, 45-degree day with high winds at Finkbine Golf Course, the University of Iowa men’s golf team is tied for third place with Big Ten foe Minnesota at three-under-par (285) at the Hawkeye Invitational. Alex Schaake and Alex Moorman, who is competing individually, fired four-under-par (68) rounds and are tied for third place.
The Hawkeyes registered 11 birdies on the front nine to shoot two-under-par in the closing stretch at the par-72 course that stretches over 7,200 yards. Moorman was the hottest player on the day, recording a tournament-high seven birdies, including five birdies during an eight-hole stretch. Moorman and Schaake are two strokes behind leader Jeremy Gandon of Kansas State.
Schaake put together a smooth round that started with seven pars, followed by his lone first-round bogey. He then carded five birdies in the remaining 10 holes to post his fourth round of the season below 70.
“Moorman was four or five under most of the day, and made a couple bogeys late, but it was a really good round of golf,” said head coach Tyler Stith, who was excited for both golfers. “Schaake had a strong finish and played a solid round of golf. It was an easy 68 for him today.”
Benton Weinberg and Sam Meuret are tied for 17th after posting even-par rounds of 72. Both golfers recorded three birdies in their final six holes of the day. Sophomore Ryoto Furuyareturned to the lineup and is tied for 24th after day one after parring the first 12 holes to finish the round at one-over-par (73).
Three other Hawkeyes, along with Moorman, were competing individually. Jack Simpson is tied for 24th place at one-over-par, freshman Jake Rowe is tied for 49th at four-over-par, and freshman Jaewook Lee is tied for 70th.
Iowa State is leading the tournament at eight-under-par (280), followed by Kansas State at six-under-par (282).
IOWA SCORECARD
T3
Iowa
-3
285
T-3
Alex Schaake
-4
68
T-3
Alex Moorman*
-4
68
T-17
Benton Weinberg
E
72
T-17
Sam Meuret
E
72
T-24
Ryoto Furuya
+1
73
T-24
Jack Simpson*
+1
73
T-59
Matthew Walker
+6
78
T-70
Jaewook Lee*
+9
81
*Competing as individuals
HAWKEYE NOTABLES
- Iowa recorded the second most pars (59) in round one.
- Moorman is leading the tournament in par four scoring with a 3.70 average.
COACH STITH’S COMMENTS
“Conditions were tough today. It was windy and cold, but it’s nothing we’re not accustomed to. This last month has been tough weather wise. I thought the guys, for the most part, handled it well. I don’t think it was the weather that caused us any problems today. Our issues were self-inflicted. We made too many bogeys on the first half of the day, but fortunately the guys hung in there and battled back and made some birdies coming in. We had a few fans out here that were brave enough to endure the weather today. We’re appreciative for people coming out showing their support, and all the volunteers and support staff that are helping. It means a lot to us to put on this event. People love coming to Iowa City; they love coming to Finkbine. It’s an honor to be able to host an event here.”
SATURDAY’S PAIRINGS
Iowa is paired with Kansas State and Iowa State in round two. The second round will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m. (CT) with round three starting immediately after round two.
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