Andy Petersen April 11, 2009

Central's Petersen wins Wartburg crown

WAVERLY—Central College’s Andy Petersen (Davenport, West HS) continued his torrid senior season, firing a 2-under-par 70 and capturing the 36-hole Wartburg Invitational men’s golf tourney crown Saturday.

Petersen, a two-time Iowa Conference MVP, broke away from a first-round tie for the lead to close with 72-70—142 on the par-72 Centennial Oaks Golf Course to win with a comfortable 3-shot margin. It’s his fifth top-10 finish in six fall and spring tournaments this year and his second meet championship.

But Central slipped in the team standings from third to a tie for sixth in an 18-team field, shooting 301-303—604.  The Univ. of St. Thomas held on for a 1-stroke victory, shooting 597 while Luther College and Nebraska Wesleyan Univ. each leapfrogged past Central in the standings and finishing at 598. Kirkwood CC matched Central’s 604. Host Wartburg College and Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) were at 599. Central’s second unit, the White squad, placed 11th at 315-310—625.

Andrew Townsend (junior, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley HS) tied for ninth at 74-75—149. Jason Harvey (sophomore, Goldfield, Clarion-Goldfield HS) was next at 77-79—156 with Justin Smool (junior, Bagley, Panorama HS) at 78-79—157 and Matt Stock (junior, Queen City, Mo., Schuyler Co. HS) at 78-80—158.

Matt Vegter (freshman, Morrison, Ill.) tied for 25th for the Central White squad at 77-76—153 with Brent Goodenow (freshman, Johnston) at 79-76—155, Reid Petersen (senior, Ankeny) at 80-78—158, Joel Winters (junior, Hampton, Hampton-Dumont HS) at 79-80—159 and Danny Pattee (freshman, Avoca, AHST HS) at 84-82—166.

Central travels to Spencer and Storm Lake next Friday and Saturday for the Buena Vista Invitational. Central won the 17-team tourney last year.