Leal Montero Wins Zach Johnson Invitational

DES MOINES, Iowa — Gonzalo Leal Montero captured the individual title at the 2020 Zach Johnson Invitational on Tuesday. Leal Montero and seven other University of Iowa men’s golfers competed unattached in the 54-hole tournament contested at the par-71 Glen Oaks Country Club.

Leal Montero was the only golfer in the field of 47 to card a final round under par (2-under par, 69). Leal Montero (+2, 215) won the tournament by three strokes over Drake’s Tim Lim (+5, 218).

“The conditions were better today than yesterday, but the course was still tricky,” Leal Montero said. “I think I did a good job playing smart on some holes, not aiming to the pin but rather finding the middle of the green. Although I was a little bit off from the tee, I gave myself chances by hitting my irons well. I was aggressive when I felt I could and made some nice putts down the stretch.”

Alex Schaake (+6, 219), Mac McClear (+7, 220), Charles Jahn (+9, 222), and Garrett Tighe (+10, 223) finished third, fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively. McClear and Jahn each carded an even-par 71 in today’s final.

“It was fun to play with Alex today,” added Leal Montero. “We were pushing and supporting each other all day.”

Leal Montero and McClear each sank five birdies on Tuesday to lead the field. Leal Montero averaged a tournament-best 3.73 in par-4 scoring in the final round.

Benton Weinberg tied for ninth place (+14, 227), Jake Rowe placed 11th (+15, 228), while Matthew Garside finished in 37th place (+30, 243).

 

IOWA SCORECARD

1. Gonzalo Leal Montero 73 73 69 +2 215
3. Alex Schaake 75 72 72 +6 219
4. Mac McClear 73 76 71 +7 220
5. Charles Jahn 76 75 71 +9 222
6. Garett Tighe 74 76 73 +10 223
T-9. Benton Weinberg 82 71 74 +14 227
11. Jake Rowe 79 73 76 +15 228
37. Matthew Garside 79 89 75 +30 243