Andy Petersen lining up putt Sept. 13, 2008

Petersen challenges for Mt. Mercy lead

MARION—Central College’s Andy Petersen (senior, Davenport, West HS) slogged his way to a 2-under-par 70 in the season-opening Mount Mercy Fall Invitational men’s golf tourney Saturday.

Central fired a 292 and stands fourth in the tourney, which includes more than 20 teams. Complete results were not yet available, but Lindenwood (Mo.) leads the tourney at 287 with William Woods (Mo.) at 298 and St. Ambrose at 291. Illinois Wesleyan follows Central at 294 and Central’s second unit, the White team, shot 315.

The 36-hole meet is being staged at a rain-soaked par-72 Hunter’s Ridge Golf Course. After heavy rains Friday night and Saturday morning filled bunkers with water, players were given a free drop from the sand and found receptive greens.

“The course was playing short and the wind was not a huge factor,” coach Charlie Estabrook said. “It was probably the tamest we’ve ever seen this course.”

Petersen is 3 strokes out of first place individually.

“He was tearing it up,” Estabrook said.

Justin Smool (junior, Bagley, Panorama HS) shot 72, Andrew Townsend (junior, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley HS) had 74, Brent Goodenow (freshman, Johnston) had 76 and Jason Harvey (sophomore, Goldfield, Clarion-Goldfield HS) shot 79.

Brent Messmore (freshman, Hudson) shot 76 for the White team, Chris Crawford (sophomore, Conrad, BCLUW HS) shot 77, Reid Petersen (senior, Ankeny) and Danny Pattee (freshman, Avoca) each shot 81.

“We had a couple of big numbers that hurt us but for the most part we were right in it,” Estabrook said. “I was happy with our round.”

The Dutch were fourth in a 23-team Mount Mercy tourney field last year. This weekend’s tournament concludes with a 9 a.m. shotgun start Sunday.