Andy Petersen Sept. 27, 2008

Central tied for second at Twin Cities Classic

ELK RIVER, MINN.—Competing in one of the strongest fields of the fall season, the Central College men’s golf team is tied for second after the first round of the 54-hole Twin Cities Classic Saturday.

No. 1-ranked St. John’s University (Minn.) turned in a blistering 284 and holds a 6-shot advantage over unranked Central and 10th-rated Illinois Wesleyan, both at 290. No. 14 Nebraska Wesleyan and Luther are tied at 295, Wis.-Stout is at 298, Wis.-Eau Claire shot 305 and No. 19 Gustavus Adolphus (Minn.) shot 308 in the 23-team tournament.

Andy Petersen (senior, Davenport, West HS) fired a 4-under-par 68 and is tied for second place, a shot behind St. John’s Joe Schoolmeester. Jason Harvey (sophomore, Goldfield, Clarion-Goldfield HS) shot 73, Andrew Townsend (junior, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley HS) had 74 and Brent Goodenow (freshman, Johnston) and Justin Smool (junior, Bagley, Panorama HS) each shot 75.

Coach Charlie Estabrook set a goal for the team prior to the fall season of consistently turning in five scores of 75 or better and was enthused that his squad achieved it Saturday.

“It was a good day,” he said. “We talked all week about not making silly mistakes, about not taking risks and just playing smart golf. For the most part, we did that. I was proud of the way they played. I hope they realize how good they are.”

The tourney moves to the Links at North Fork Sunday before concluding at the White Bear Yacht Club in St. Paul Monday. Both are demanding courses and adding to the challenge will be getting paired with St. John’s Sunday.

“We’ll be playing with the top team in the country,” Estabrook said. “There’s no better way to see how you measure up than to play with the best. I’m looking forward to it.”