Gudgel Finishes 5th at Fighting Irish Classic

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Third-year University of Iowa men’s golfer Grant Gudgel finished tied for fifth at the Fighting Irish Classic, which wrapped up Monday at the Warren Golf Course. 

Gudgel had four birdies and 11 pars during his even-par 70 during the final round to finish the tournament with a two-under par 211 (68-70-70), five strokes back of medalist Wheaton Ennis of Texas A&M. It was the best finish of Gudgel’s collegiate career. 

“Grant had a standout performance this week,” said Iowa head coach Tyler Stith. “He gave himself a chance to win by hitting several iron shots down the stretch. If a few putts would have dropped, he would have been right there. I’m very proud of how he competed.”

Gudgel finished tied for fifth alongside Sihao Cong of California and Nolan Haynes of Kent State.

Fourth-year Maxwell Tjoa was Iowa’s next highest finisher, tying for 57th with a 12-over par 222 (76-73-73), while third-year Ryan Shellberg placed 68th with a 226 (79-73-74). Both Hawkeyes improved their individual standings during Monday’s final round.

First-year Andrew Johannsen finished 79th with a 233 (82-75-76) and second-year Bennett Warren finished 81st with a 237 (81-75-81).

As a team, Iowa finished 14th in the tournament with an 888 (304-291-293).

“We dug ourselves a huge hole in round one and couldn’t recover,” said Stith. “The golf course exposed some of our weaknesses. It was a painful and costly lesson, but it will make us better overall as a team.”

UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will close out the team portion of their schedule at the Fallen Oak Collegiate from Oct. 17-19 in Biloxi, Mississippi.