Bulldogs card best round of spring on first day of Bethel Invite

By Jacob Knabel on Apr. 6, 2019 in Men's Golf

HESSTON, Kan. – A busy week for the Concordia University men’s golf team continued on Saturday (April 6) with the first round of the Bethel Spring Invitational. In action at Hesston Golf Park in Hesston, Kan., the Bulldogs turned in their lowest round so far this spring by shooting a team score of 306. That puts them in a tie for ninth place out of 19 teams at the two-day event.

In three rounds this spring, head coach Brett Muller’s squad has turned in scores of 332, 310 and 306, respectively. Not surprisingly, senior Nolan Zikas paced Concordia on Saturday by shooting an even par 71.

Zikas currently sits in a tie for sixth place out of 99 golfers in the field. The native of La Vista, Neb., will attempt to secure his second top 10 tournament finish of the spring when play resumes on Sunday. Zikas also placed seventh earlier this week at the Blue River Classic (74-75–149).

The rest of the lineup in Hesston included sophomore Jayden Neal (76; T-34th), junior Tylar Samek (77; T-40th), freshman Jack Williams (82; T-69th) and sophomore Harrison Helmer (84; T-77th). Three Bulldogs are also competing at the Bethel Invite individually: freshman Landon Walkenhorst (88; T-91st), senior Grant Suchanek (89; T-93rd) and freshman Nathan Auffut (104; 98th).

Day two action will shift to Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kan., with play set to tee off at 9 a.m. CT on Sunday.