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It's just been four rounds so far in the 2017-18 season, but Ashland University's men's golf team has hit new depths – and that's a very good thing.
After collecting a team score of 289 in the first round of the season, the Eagle men finished the second and final round of Saginaw Valley State Al Watrous Invitational on Sunday (Sept. 10) with an impressive total of 284. That team score was the Eagles' lowest since the second round of the same tournament in 2011 (280).
That second-round score allowed Ashland to finish the 16-team tournament in fifth place (299-284—583). Grand Valley State won (284-276—560), followed by Hillsdale (293-285—578) and host SVSU (283-296—579).
Ashland's individual Day 2 highlight was turned in by sophomore Patrick Steffen, who fired a career-low 68 to finish the tournament at 78-68—146 and in a tie for 23rd individually – 45 spots higher than his Saturday placement.
The Eagles' leader on the weekend was junior Austin Kondratick, who ended at 1-under-par 72-71—143. Kondratick finished in a tie for ninth, giving him two Top 10 placements to start the season.
Junior Cole Smith was 75-71—146, and his Sunday round of 71 was a career-best at Ashland. Smith finished tied for 23rd.
Rounding out the Eagles' team play were freshman Ben Jones (77-74—151, tied for 50th) and senior Chandler Walnsch (75-78—153, tied for 69th).
Playing as individuals were juniors Tyler Starr (81-77—158) and Frank Steffen (88-88—176).
UP NEXT: Ashland's third fall tournament, the GLIAC North Invitational on Saturday (Sept. 16) and Sunday (Sept. 17) at Hawkshead Golf Club in South Heaven, Mich.
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