MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. – The Bethel University men's golf team captured a ninth-place finish, out of 14 teams, while hosting the Minnesota Golf Classic this weekend at Pioneer Creek Golf Course. A young Royals squad that saw four freshmen in the five-player lineup carded a 910 (306-307-297) in the 54-hole event.
Rounds two and three took place Sunday with a shotgun start, Bethel's 297 in the final 18-holes matches the lowest-round score under head coach
Nick Cocalis which the Royals achieved at last season's MIAC Championship.
Of note, along with the 14 Division III teams 31 individuals from Division I institutions were among the field.
Will Karkoc was Bethel's top finisher placing in a tie for 36th. Three birdies on the front nine in round three got him to one-under on the front nine before going one-over on the back nine for an even 72. Karkoc finished with a 223 for the weekend.
Jacob Hall shot a pair of 75s in the final two rounds placing him in a tie for 47th. Add it to his 76 from round one and he carded a 226 for the weekend. Hall carded five birdies in round two before finishing the weekend with a one-under 35 on the back nine.
Bethel's lone veteran in the lineup,
Noah Frobom finished with a 229 good for a T60. Frobom's highlight of the week came in the second round when he eagled the par-five, 501 yard first hole.
Ian Stelter saved the best for last carding a 75, four strokes better than round one and eight strokes better than round two, in the final round. He finished 80th with a 237.
Jack Wellen also finished the day with a 75. He shot an 85 in round one and 80 in round two finishing in a tie for 82nd with a 240.
