Ehresman shoots career low, Bulldogs equal program record

By Jacob Knabel on Oct. 2, 2017 in Men's Golf

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The rains stayed away and allowed the first day of the GPAC Men’s Fall Golf Championships to be played as scheduled. The Concordia University men’s golf team took advantage of favorable conditions, carding a program record-tying total of 288 (four-over-par) while competing at Willow Run Golf Course in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Monday.

Three Bulldogs shot even par or better for seventh-year head coach Brett Muller’s squad. After placing seventh in the GPAC in 2016-17, Concordia is eyeing a move up the ladder. It will take a fourth-place standing into day two of the championship meet.

“It was a good first day,” Muller said. “The course was definitely set up to score well. It was wet conditions but no wind. We were able to take advantage of the scoring opportunities. It was great to see Tyler Ehresman shoot a career best. He actually started the day with two bogeys and then birdied three of his last five holes.”

Ehresman, a senior from Omaha, cut two strokes off his previous career low that came during his freshman year. He shot a one-under-par 70 on Monday. He and junior Nolan Zikas turned in identical scores and are tied for fourth on the individual leaderboard, three strokes out of first place. Zikas has his sights set on a third all-conference season in a row.

An even-par 71 for sophomore Tylar Samek gives the Bulldogs three individuals among the top eight golfers out of the field of 50. The 71 represented a career best for Samek, who has recorded a score of 72 in two different rounds since becoming a Bulldog last fall. Concordia’s lineup was rounded out by senior Russell Otten (77; T-36th) and freshman Kort Steele (79; T-44th).

Muller wants to see consistency throughout the four conference rounds in 2017-18.

“We just need to put together another solid round tomorrow,” Muller said. “We’re five shots out of first and two shots out of second at this point.”

The Bulldog men’s golf team last shot a 288 (even par) at its home course at Highlands on Sept. 21, 2016. Monday’s 288 came in well below Concordia’s top GPAC round of 300 during the 2016-17 campaign.

The action will continue from Willow Run with round two of the GPAC championships beginning at 10 a.m. CT on Tuesday. The final 36 holes of the conference championships will be played this coming spring at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Eagle, Neb. For more details on the GPAC men’s golf championships, click HERE.