Men’s golf shoots 326, moves up one spot in GPAC standings

FREMONT, Neb. – After shooting a solid 321 in a promising performance three days earlier, the Concordia University men’s golf team regressed by five strokes at GPAC Qualifier No. 3 held at Lochland Country Club in Hastings, Neb., on Monday. With a team score of 326 (+38), the Bulldogs placed eighth on the day, beating out Dordt, Briar Cliff and Mount Marty.

Through three qualifiers (two were held in the fall), Concordia has carded a total of 317-345-326–988, placing it eighth with one GPAC round yet to be completed.

“It was definitely a step back from Friday,” third-year head coach Brett Muller said. “We’re trying to figure out how we shot worse with better conditions and on an easier course.”

Individually, junior Shawn Rodehorst shot a 77 for his best qualifier score of the season. On the heels of a 78 in GPAC No. 1 and an 86 in GPAC No. 2, Rodehorst moved himself into a tie for 20th on the leaderboard. He sat 27th entering Monday’s round.

“Shawn played pretty well,” Muller said. “He shot a 37 on his back nine and actually bogeyed the last hole. He a great job coming back after shooting a little higher than he wanted on the first nine.”

Freshman Court Croghan followed up his 80 three days ago at the Wild West Invite with an 82 on Monday. Like Rodehorst, Croghan finished strong on the day in what was his first career GPAC qualifier round.

“Court started a little rough with a 44 on the front nine and then played about as well as we’ve seen all season on the back nine,” Muller said.

Freshman Jared Knoepfel posted an 82 on Monday, giving him a three round score of 83-78-82–243. Knoepfel is currently tied for 22nd in the GPAC, two strokes behind Rodehorst for the team lead.

Sophomore Sam Simonson (85) and senior Sam DeFreece (87) filled out the remainder of the varsity lineup on Monday. Simonson has carded a three-round qualifier total of 81-99-85–265 (36th place). DeFreece, who did not compete at GPAC Qualifier No. 1, shot an 88 at the second qualifier.

At the top of the conference, Nebraska Wesleyan (301-325-296–922) holds a six-stroke lead over Northwestern (301-317-310–928).

The Bulldogs return to action on Thursday for the Mount Marty Invite at Fox Run Golf Course in Yankton, S.D. The final GPAC qualifier will take place Monday, April 28 at the same course in Yankton. It will be the final meet of the 2013-14 season for Concordia men’s golf.