The first round of the 2023 NCAA Division II Midwest/Central super regional at The Bridges Golf Course in Winona, Minn., on Thursday (May 11) couldn't have gone much better for Ashland University's men's golf team.
Following the first 18 holes, the Eagles' round of 287 put them in a tie for second place in the 20-team field. Grand Valley State is running away from the field following a first-round 276, and AU is tied with Findlay after Day 1.
It was the second consecutive round in which the Eagles finished with a score of 287 – they also carded that score in the third and final round of the 2023 Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championship to qualify for medal match play, where Ashland won a league title for the first time in 57 years.
The top six teams from the Winona super regional will advance to the 2023 NCAA Division II Championships, May 22-26 at Avalon Lakes in Warren, Ohio. Ashland is ahead of the two teams tied for sixth place after Day 1 – Central Missouri and Maryville – by five shots.
NOTABLES
- Ashland's top player in Round 1 was senior Logan Thomas, whose 70 is good for a tie for seventh place individually. Thomas had three birdies on Thursday.
- Freshman Dylan Dunn also had a round of par or better on Thursday, as he finished with an even-par round of 71 and in a tie for 15th. He also had three birdies in the first 18 holes.
- Sophomore Matthew McMullen's 72 is tied for 21st, and he not only had two birdies, but he also recorded an eagle on hole No. 5.
- Rounding out the AU effort on Day 1 was senior Andrew Kolar (74, tied for 39th, one birdie) and freshman Carter Mishler (76, tied for 63rd, four birdies).
UP NEXT
Day 2 of the three-day super regional on Friday (May 12).
