MAPLE PLAIN, Minnesota – The Carleton College men's golf team played 36 holes on Sunday and is currently in seventh place after day one of the Minnesota Golf Classic held at Pioneer Creek Golf Course.
As a team, the Knights shot a 10-over-par 298 in the opening round, followed by a six-over-par 294 in the second round for a day-one total of 592. Bethel University, the host team, is at 3-under-par (573) and holds a five-shot lead over Lake Forest College (578, +2). Currently in third place is Saint John's University at 579 (+3).
Justin Rodriguez is in a tie for 28th place among 107 golfers after shooting rounds of 74 (+2), followed by a one-under-par 71. In both rounds, Rodriguez played the front nine well with a total of five birdies on the day.
Dillon Croco is one shot behind his teammate and tied for 32nd overall. He finished his first round at one-over par (73) after beginning the day with birdies on two of his first three holes and wrapping up round one with back-to-back birdies. Croco's second round of the day included an eagle on the par-five first hole and two birdies on his way to carding another 73 on the day.
Sam Higaki turned in rounds of 73 (+1) and 74 (+2). His total of 147 (+3) puts him in a tie for 40th overall after day one. Higaki's day also included five birdies.
Gareth Birney wrapped up the scoring for the Knight after rounds of 78 (+6) and 76 (+4). Birney ended his day with birdies on the ninth and tenth holes, which were two of the final four in his round.
Eli Slifer concluded his first round at ten-over-par (82) and came back to shoot six-over-par (78) in the final round of the day. Slifer's best stretch of the day came in round two on the front nine when he shot even par with birdies on the first and third holes. He sits at 160 (+16)
Matt Kang, competing as an individual, is also at 160 after rounds of 81 (+9) and 79 (+7). The other Carleton golfer competing as an individual is
Oscar Peche, who turned in rounds of 85 (+13) and 83 (+11).
Up Next for the Knights
Round three will begin with an 8:00 am shotgun tee time on Monday, Sept. 21, at Pioneer Creek Golf Course.
