FRENCH LICK, Ind. – The University of Iowa men’s golf team is in 12th place after the opening round of the Big Ten Championships. Junior Garrett Tighe led the way for Iowa on Friday, notching an even-par 72 at the distinguished Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort.
Tighe is tied for 17th after draining a team-high three birdies and adding an eagle through 18 holes. The Algonquin, Illinois, native shot even par on each nine.
Junior Mac McClear and senior Gonzalo Leal Montero are next for Iowa, tied at 38th with three-over par rounds of 75. McClear matched Tighe’s three birdies on the day, including back-to-back birdies on holes No. 18 and No. 1.
Sophomore Callum Macfie’s round also counted, as he recorded a 78 (+6). Junior Ronan Kleu finished with a 79 (+7) on Friday.
The Hawkeyes are within five strokes of the next three teams in the standings, including 27th ranked Ohio State. In total, 10 of 14 teams finished the first round over par. No. 46 Michigan State is in front by eight strokes at 12-under par (276) heading into the weekend.
IOWA SCORECARD
| 12 | Iowa | 300 | — | — | +12 | 300 |
| T-17 | Garrett Tighe | 72 | — | — | E | 72 |
| T-38 | Mac McClear | 75 | — | — | +3 | 75 |
| T-38 | Gonzalo Leal Montero | 75 | — | — | +3 | 75 |
| T-55 | Callum Macfie | 78 | — | — | +6 | 78 |
| T-63 | Ronan Kleu | 79 | — | — | +7 | 79 |
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH TYLER STITH
“I’m happy for Garrett [Tighe]. We really needed his round today. I thought the course was very getable. I’m honestly surprised scores aren’t lower. As it stands now, we’re near the bottom, but luckily the leaderboard is tight. A good round tomorrow and we can close the gap.”
UP NEXT
Round Two of the Big Ten Championships tees off at 8 a.m. (CT) Saturday at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort.