Yankton, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan Men's Golf team started their 2023 season at the Mount Marty Invitational with day one of the meet, beginning at Fox Run golf course. The Tigers finished fourth as a team in round one shooting 23 over par. Peyton Bettcher was the top performer for the Tigers, finishing tied for fifth after the first round. Bettcher only two shots off the leader is in a prime spot to make a push for the top spot-on day two.
How it Happened: Bettcher led the Tigers, shooting two over par while recording two birdies on holes 10 and 13. He limited his mistakes during the round to four bogies and zero doubles. Head Coach Jeff Meyerink had this to say about Bettcher performance, "Peyton managed the course well. Even though he didn't make any putts over ten feet, he stayed patient and stuck to his game plan. Now he has a chance to bring home an individual title." Connor Calahan was the Tiger's next top finisher going seven over par, ending up tied for 16th place. Calahan had two birdies early in his round before the wind began to affect the team's play. Jackson Childs finished the day tied in the 21st spot going eight over par. Carson VanBeek finished day one nine over par, tied for the 24th spot. Dealing with the wind proved to be a big factor for the team as they all showed struggle late in the round.
Coach Meyerink's Thoughts:
"The team got off to a really good start today, then the wind picked up, we started making some mistakes we shouldn't have. Adding to the pressure, the men knew they all had to play well, when you're only playing four, and you count four scores, it doesn't leave any room for error. The course conditions were good, no complaints from them on the ball rolling true. Mistakes were miss-clubbing and being too aggressive (because of the wind). They owned it, accepted it, and are ready to go tomorrow. That shows a lot of maturity."