MARION – The NIACC men’s golf team placed fifth at the season-opening Kirkwood Invitational Monday with a 328-322 – 650 at Hunters Ridge Golf Course.
Sophomore Sam Steinwand led the Trojans with a 75-80 – 155.
Also for NIACC Monday, Zach Nicolson shot a 83-79 – 162; Joe Nordquist shot a 84-82 – 166; Brandon Waters shot a 86-81 – 167; and Brandon Nordman shot a 93-83 – 176.
Mount Mercy won the team title with a 578, Indian Hills was second with a 581 and host Kirkwood was third with a 584.
“This is just a starting point,” NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. “We know we are a lot better than what we showed (Monday).
“There were some highlights. Sam shot a 32 on the front nine. He got a little sideways on his second round but it’s tough to play 36 holes in one day.”
Frenz said he was encouraged with Nicholson’s second round of 79 after opening with an 83.
The NIACC men return to action Monday, April 4 at the Iowa Wesleyan Invitational in Fort Madison.
“It’s early,” Frenz said. “We just need to find consistency. We struggled to find consistency in the fall and we struggled with it again (Monday).
“We will be ready to roll at our next tournament.”
Team standings – Mount Mercy 578, Indian Hills 581, Kirkwood 584, Bellevue 624, NIACC 650, Grinnell 668, Ellsworth 718.
