Men’s golf places 10th at Mount Marty Invite

YANKTON, S.D. – In what was essentially a preview meet for Monday’s GPAC Qualifier No. 4 at the same course, the Concordia University men’s golf squad shot a 325 to place 10th among 12 teams – all from GPAC schools – at the Mount Marty Invite. Junior Shawn Rodehorst again led the way individually, carding a four-over-par 76 to place in tie for 12th on Thursday at Fox Run Golf Course.

Senior Sam DeFreece (80 – T32) and freshman Jared Knoepfel (81 – T41) placed second and third, respectively, among Bulldogs. The drop off came after the No. 3 spot as sophomore Sam Simonson (88 – 60th) and freshman Court Croghan (91 – T62) rounded out the rest of the lineup.

Both Rodehorst and Knoepfel faded a bit down the stretch after strong starts.

“Shawn was probably the lone bright spot,” head coach Brett Muller said. “He turned at even par and ended up bogeying his last four holes. Jared was +2 after 12 holes and struggled to finish. Both were disappointed with how their days ended.”

With the 76, Rodehorst finished eight strokes off tournament medalist Ryan Kiewiet of Northwestern. Kiewiet shot a 68 for the first-place Red Raiders.

Rodehorst was the only Bulldog who entered the day with previous experience at Fox Run. Muller hopes his team will rebound in four days when it returns.

“The good thing is that GPAC No. 4 is ahead. I hope our guys take some things from today and do better on Monday,” Muller said.

The Bulldogs return to action on Saturday for the Bulldog-Tiger Ryder Cup at York Country Club in York, Neb. The meet will not officially factor into season results. Concordia completes the season on Monday at GPAC Qualifier No. 4, which will also take place at Fox Run Golf Course. Muller’s squad currently sits eighth in the GPAC with a three-round total of 317-345-326–988.