MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. – Following a victory last weekend at the Augsburg Invite, the No. 25 Gustavus men’s golf team took to the Minnesota Classic Saturday, hosted by Bethel at Pioneer Creek. After round one, the Gustie “B” team is four shots out of first place with a plus-seven 295. The Gustie “A” team is in seventh with a round one 303 (+15). Saint John’s “Blue” is leading the field with a three-over 291, with UW-Stevens Point’s Josh Brogren leading the individuals with a six-under 66.

Wyatt Carlson (Jr., Wayzata) highlighted the Gustie Saturday performances, as the junior is currently sitting in sixth with a round one 70. Carlson carded five birdies to lead both Gustavus teams. Behind Carlson is Pelayo Perez Crespo (Jr., Sotogrande, Spain), who’s in 15th with an even 72. 

Jack Reinardy (Sr., Andover) and Tommy Hiniker (5th, Edina) are both tied for 31st after round one, carding a two-over 74. Reinardy is leading the Gustie “A” team with a three-shot eagle and a pair of birdies, while Hiniker is sitting in third on the second team for the Gusties. Chris Gutuza (Jr., Johannesburg, South Africa) and MIAC Athlete of the Week Teddy Kaste (Sr., Apple Valley) are both tied for 38th after shooting a three-over 75 in round one. 

Jimmy Abdo (Fy., Edina) and Cameron Longie (Sr., Hutchinson) both posted a 79 on day one to tie for 75th, while Blake Forrest (So., Maple Grove) posted an 81 to round out the Gustie first team in 85th. Cole Paulson, playing as an individual, also carded a nine-over 81 on Saturday, while Aradheea Gawade (Fy., Mumbai, India) shot an 85 through round one. 

“We certainly did not have the ball striking day we were hoping for,” said Head Coach Scott Moe. “Our biggest struggle today was that our misses led to bogies or worse. The course had a great set up today for tournament play, but we need to be smarter on where we take our chances. The good thing for us is we are playing a 54 tournament and we still have 36 holes left tomorrow. I’m excited for our chance in this strong field. We worked hard today, we just need to work smarter tomorrow.”

The Gusties will continue competition tomorrow with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start in Maple Plain.