Central College golf March 29, 2008

Dutch rewrite record book at own tourney

OSKALOOSA—The Central College men’s golf team cruised to a 30-stroke win as all five of players finished in the top nine after two days of action concluded Saturday at the Central Dutch Classic at the par-70 Edmundson Golf Course.

The Dutch team score of 277-283--560 crushed the former 36-hole team score of 575 set at the Great Plains Tournament in 1983 and later tied at the Buena Vista Invitational in 1997.

“Today’s score reflected a better performance than yesterday’s given the conditions and how hard the course was playing,” said coach Charlie Estabrook. “I am very proud of our guys.

“It is a great showing to have all our guys finish in the top nine.”

Sophomore Justin Smool (Bagley, Panorama HS) carded the tournament’s top score at 3-under-par 69-68--137, to win his first collegiate tournament.

“Justin played extremely well,” said Estabrook. “He was striking the ball great both days. He has excellent confidence and hopefully can continue to win.”

Two shots behind Smool in second place was round-one leader Andrew Petersen (junior, Davenport, West HS) at 68-71—139.

“Andy continues to play extremely well,” said Estabrook. “I am proud of what he is doing and he is a lot of fun to watch.”

Taking fourth wassophomore Joel Winters (Hampton, Hampton-Dumont HS) with 69-73--142.

“Joel really has a lot of confidence and that’s what he needed more than anything,” said Estabrook. “It is fun to watch him play up to his capabilities. Everything in his game is consistent.”

Sophomore Andrew Townsend (Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley HS) was fifth (72-71—143).

“Andrew Townsend showed why he is Mr. Consistency,” said Estabrook. “He ground it out for two days. I am proud of how he is hitting the ball.”

Tied for ninth place was senior Reid Turner (Des Moines, Grandview Park Baptist HS) who fired a 71-75--146.

“I am impressed with Reid Turner’s attitude,” Estabrook said. “He struggled but hung in there and worked really hard. He showed why he is a leader and the other guys look up to him.”

While Estabrook was pleased with the scores, he was proud of the feedback he received from opposing coaches.

“I received a lot of compliments from other coaches on how well our guys conducted themselves and their etiquette,” he said. “They had a lot of fun playing with us and that is a great compliment to our program.”

The Dutch return to the links April 6-7 when they make the haul to Peosta to play in the Loras Invitational at Thunder Hills Country Club.