April 2, 2016
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TEMPE, Ariz. — Following Saturday’s first and second rounds of the ASU Thunderbird Invitational, the University of Iowa men’s golf team is tied for fourth place at 554 (-14; 277, 277) and sits four strokes out of first place heading into Sunday’s final round. The two-day, 54-hole event is being played at Arizona State’s Karsten Golf Course.
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“We played with composure, took advantage of our opportunities, and recovered well when we needed it,” said UI head coach Tyler Stith. “We are in a good position heading into tomorrow’s final round and are excited for the challenge.”
Iowa State leads the 13-team field at 550 (-18; 274, 276), while tournament host and fifth-ranked Arizona State sits in second at 551 (-17; 277, 274).
Three Hawkeyes currently sit in the top-12 on the individual leaderboard, led by freshman Matthew Walker who is tied for sixth. The Ottumwa, Iowa, native carded a two-under-par 69 in the first round before following up with a bogey-free 67 in the second. Walker’s four-under-par 67 in the second round marks the best 18-hole score of his career.
“Walker was in control all day,” said Stith. “He got a few putts to drop early and that gave him some confidence. A bogey-free 67 in the second round of a 36-hole day is awesome.”
Senior Nate Yankovich and sophomore Sam Meuret are both tied for 12th at 139 (-3) following Saturday’s first and second rounds. Yankovich posted rounds of 69 (-2) and 70 (-1), while Meuret notched a 68 (-3) and 71 (E). Meuret’s 68 in the opening round marks the best 18-hole score of his career. The Brunswick, Nebraska, native has now made par or better in four of his last five rounds.
After carding a two-over-par 73 in the first round, junior Raymond Knoll put together a solid second round, making par or better on 15 holes on his way to carding a two-under-par 69. Knoll is even through two rounds, putting him in a tie for 22nd place heading into Sunday’s final round.
Junior Carson Schaake is tied for 36th after posting rounds of 71 (E) and 74 (+3). Schaake made par or better on 28 holes, including five birdies.
Competing as an individual, freshman Aaron DeNucci is tied for 69th at 156 (+14; 77, 79).
The Hawkeyes conclude play at the 44th annual ASU Thunderbird Invitational on Sunday. Tee times begin at 9:30 a.m. (CT) off holes one and 10. Live scoring is available at golfstat.com.
