Brent Goodenow April 4, 2009

Central rallies for third at Illinois Wesleyan

NORMAL, ILL.—Steady play in blustery conditions lifted the Central College men’s golf team to a third-place finish at the 23-team Illinois Wesleyan Invitational Saturday.

In sixth place Friday after shooting 308, the Dutch fired 306 Saturday despite the weather taking a nasty turn. The No. 5-rated host school, Illinois Wesleyan Univ. was first with 284, while No. 22 Carthage College (Wis.) was second at 605 with Central at 614. The Dutch got past regional rival Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.), which slid to eighth at 622. The Central White team was 15th at 314-325-639.

Andy Petersen (senior, Davenport, West HS) tied for fourth individually at 71-75—146 on the par-72 Ironwood Golf Course. Jason Harvey (sophomore, Goldfield, Clarion-Goldfield HS) had the day’s best round for Central and was at 74-83—157.

“Jason’s short game was on,” coach Charlie Estabrook said. “His chipping was good and he hit his irons really well from inside 100 yards.”

Matt Stock (junior, Queen City, Mo., Schuyler County HS) shot with 76-81—157, Andrew Townsend (junior, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley HS) at 80-78—158 and Justin Smool (junior, Bagley, Panorama HS) at 81-79—160.

“Through nine holes we were playing extremely well,” Estabrook said. “We just didn’t finish strong. But we’ll take where we placed. It’s an improvement.”

Matt Vegter (freshman, Morrison, Ill.) was tied for 21st for the White squad, shooting 75-79—154. Joel Winters (junior, Hampton, Hampton-Dumont HS) had 76-82—158, with Reid Petersen (senior, Ankeny) at 80-79—159, Brent Messmore (freshman, Hudson) at 83-89—172 and Will Overlander (freshman, Avoca, AHST HS) at 89-85—174.

Central travels to Waverly for the Wartburg Invitational Friday and Saturday at the par-72 Centennial Oaks Golf Club.