ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Carleton College men's golf team is currently in 11th place after the opening day of the Saint John's Fall Invitational held at St. Cloud Country Club. Sam Higaki is tied for fifth place on the leaderboard, carding an even-par 72 to lead the Knights.
 
Bethel University holds a five-shot lead over tournament host Saint John's University. The Royals wrapped up day one with a team score of 291 (+3), and the Johnnies finished at 296 (+8). The University of Manitoba is in third place at 302 (+14), and Concordia College (Moorhead) is in fourth place at 303 (+15). The Knights compiled a team score of 313 (+25).
Higaki shot two-over-par on the front nine and an impressive two-under-par on the back with birdies on the 15th and 16th holes. He is two shots behind a pair of golfers who are tied for the lead.
Dillon Croco is currently in a tie for 32nd overall, carding a six-over-par 78 on the day.
 
Gareth Birney turned in an opening-round 80 (+8) and is tied for 45th place. He was seven-over-par at the turn, then came back to finish with a 37 on the back nine.

Justin Rodriguez rounded out the scoring for the Knights, shooting an 83 (+11). He had two birdies, both coming on par-3s.

Eli Slifer, the other member of the Carleton starting lineup, shot an 84 (+12).

Austin Mak played as an individual and opened his day with an even-par 36 on the front nine. He wrapped up round one with a five-over-par 77.

Matt Kang also competed as an individual and turned in a round of 86 (+14).
 
Up Next for the Knights
The final round will be played on Sunday, Sept. 27, beginning with 8:00 am tee times at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell, Minn.