ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The No. 44 Carleton College men's golf team sits in third place out of 15 teams at the Saint John's Spring Invitational. The field includes three other nationally ranked teams. Sam Higaki led the Knights and is tied for second place after shooting a one-under par 71 in the first round.
 
The host team, No. 32 Saint John's University, has a five shot lead with a score of 291. In second place is No. 29 Gustavus Adolphus College at 296, followed by the Knights with a team score of 299.
 
Higaki's six birdies on the day was tied for the most of any golfer in the 85-player field. He started strong with four birdies on the front nine and finished with birdies on No. 14 and No. 18.
 
The other golfer with six birdies on the day was fellow Knight, Gordon Walker. He finished the day in a tie for ninth place as he turned in a score of two-over par 74. Walker birdied five of the final eight holes in his day one round.
 
Ryan Choi and Justin Rodriquez each carded a 77 to round out the Knights' scoring on the day. Dillon Croco, playing as an individual, kept pace with his teammates also shooting a 77.
 
Gareth Birney posted a score of 82 (+10) on the day.
 
Carleton had the most birdies of any team with 17. They also played the par 5s at four-under par which was second best.
 
Up Next for the Knights
The final round will be played on Sunday, April 27 at Monticello C.C. beginning at 10:00am.