THIS WEEK
The University of Iowa men’s golf team is set to compete in the Wake Forest Invitational at Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst, N.C., March. 4-5th.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
The 54-hole tournament tees off on Monday and concludes Tuesday with 54-holes being played through two days. The tournament time is yet to be announced.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
You can follow this week’s action by visiting golfstat.com for live scoring. Links can be found on the men’s golf schedule page at hawkeyesports.com.
THE FIELD
11 schools will be competing in the Wake Forest Invitational headlined by three ranked opponents; No. 2 Auburn, Clemson, College of Charleston, No. 24 Duke, No. 13 East Tennessee State University, Iowa, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Southern Methodist University, University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Wake Forest.
THE COURSE
The site of more single golf championships than any other course in the United States, Pinehurst No. 2 serves as the anchor site for the U.S. Open. The major championship is set to return for the fourth time in 2024; Pinehurst has also played host to the U.S. Women’s Open, the PGA Championship, three U.S. Amateur Championships and the Ryder Cup.
The newly remodeled #2 course at Pinehurst eliminates the penal rough and reintroduces golf’s greatest gift and what the area is so well known for, natural sand. The sandhills of central North Carolina are an iconic feature and now line both side of each fairway. The famous dome greens have been softened in places but will play plenty challenging whenever they are dried and firmed up for major tournaments.
LINK UP WITH THE HAWKEYES
For an inside look at the Iowa men’s golf program and to access exclusive coverage, “like” Hawkeye men’s golf on Facebook and follow @IowaHawkeyeGolf on Twitter and Instagram.
THE EVENT
Entering its fourth year, the Wake Forest Invitational is hosted annually at Pinehurst No. 2. Iowa tied for fourth out of 12 teams at last year’s event. The Hawkeyes were led by current-senior Mac McClear, who shot 210 (E) to tie for second place. Former Hawkeye, Ronan Kleu, finished tied for ninth. Junior Ian Meyer tied for 22nd place.
PUERTO RICO CLASSIC RECAP
The Hawkeyes placed eighth out 15 teams, beating two top-25 ranked programs, and finishing 3-1 against Big Ten opponents. Freshman Noah Kent was the low finisher for Iowa tying for third place.
Kent opened the tournament by shooting 9-under par which was the fourth lowest round in tournament history as well as the second lowest round in program history. Kent finished the tournament at 14-under par, defeating five of the top 30 players in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. His 54-hole score tied for the third lowest in program history.
HEAR FROM HEAD COACH TYLER STITH
“It’s a privilege to compete at a golf course with so much history. We played well there last year so we’re returning with a positive mindset and momentum from Puerto Rico. We’ve had two weeks at home to focus on some specific individual needs. Now we are switching our focus to Pinehurst and what we need to do to be successful.”
LOOKING AHEAD
The Hawkeyes will travel to Houston, Texas to compete in the All-American Intercollegiate hosted by Houston. The 54-hole tournament will take place March 18th – 19th.