By Toby Semler
CRETE, Neb. – The Concordia University Men’s Golf team kicked off the spring portion of its season Doane Spring Invite that played out Friday and Saturday (March 26-27). The two-day invitational took place on different courses with the first day starting on Woodland Hills Golf Course in Eagle, Neb. and the second day finishing on College Heights Golf Course in Crete. The event featured 10 teams including conference opponents such as Doane, Dordt, and Midland. Leading the way for the Bulldogs was Freshman Drew D’Ercole who ended up taking home the top spot in the tournament.
The Bulldog’s finished the tournament tied for fifth place (four schools entered both a junior varsity and a varsity team including Concordia).
“I’m really proud of Drew for earning his first career win,” Muller said. “The last two days his game around the greens was lights out. He’s really worked hard the last couple of months on that. It’s great to see his hard work pay off. Another bright spot was Taylor Johnson shooting his lowest career score. We need more consistency from the number two through five spots in the lineup – that will be the focus in practice.”
A native of Papillion, Neb., D’Ercole finished the tournament at just three over par with a two-round score of 73-73–146. That number actually tied with Geronimo Narizzano of Southeast Community College. It took two playoff holes before D’Ercole persevered with a birdie to win it.
The next highest finisher for the Bulldogs was junior Jayden Neal. Neal shot a two-round total of 78-83–161 and finished tied for 18th. The next best performers on the team were Jacob Woodmancy (79-83–162; T-20th), Landon Walkenhorst (84-84–168; 33rd), Nathan Auffut (88-82–170; T-35th), Johnson (90-80–170; T-35th) and Gavin McWhorter (85-85–170; T-35th).
After entering the spring sitting in ninth place in the GPAC standings, the Bulldogs look ahead to their next day on the course. That day will be April 10 when Concordia will host the Bulldog-Tiger Cup at Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb.