LAKE CITY, MINN. – Led by a 71 from
JJ Cooney and consistent play throughout the lineup, the University of Sioux Falls Men's Golf Team is fourth with a first round score of 298 at the Watkins Invitational, which opened today at the Jewel Golf Club. The final round of the tournament will tee off on Saturday with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.
Cooney, a three-time All-NSIC performer, opened with his one-under par 71 which places him in a tie for sixth at the tournament. He carded best round since shooting a 71 in the third round of the Lindenwood Invitational on March 26, 2019 when he finished 12
th with a three-round total of 220 (75-74-71).
USF, which is just two shots out of third place (Minnesota State, 296), had a 10-over par round as all six USF golfers finished with sub-80 rounds. In fact, sophomore
Jack Evans, sophomore
Nathan Woodall and senior
Blake Berry recorded three-over rounds of 75 to earn a tie at 23
rd among individuals. Junior
Jacob Zosel also had a solid round of five-over par 77 and a tie for 36
th while senior
Brenden Bassing finished at a seven-over par round of 79 and a tie at 49
th place.
"Today was a good starting point for the fall season," said USF Head Men's Golf Coach
Tavia Rutherford. "I know that we left a lot of shots out on the course and the men would have enjoyed going lower but I feel good with where the team is at heading into Day 2. They have set high standards for themselves and I look forward to watching them compete this fall. This is a special group of guys and I know good things are on the horizon for this team," added Rutherford of the Cougars, which placed fifth at the NSIC Championships last spring.
Winona State, which was led by individual leader Brady Madsen (six-under par 66) leads the tournament with a 10-under par first round total of 278. The Warriors are followed by Washburn at one-under par 287 with Minnesota State at eight-over par, 296 and then USF at 298. A second Winona State team is fifth at 299 while Concordia St. Paul is sixth at 307 and Missouri Western State, seventh at 20-over par and a 308.
