LAKER MEN COMPLETE FIRST ROUND AT GOLF NATIONALS

The Iowa Lakes Community College students who are participating in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division II golf tourney are sitting in the back of the pack after completing their first round of play. But, they have a good attitude going for them when they play again tomorrow/Wednesday.

Andy Soper, Estherville, scored the lowest round of the Laker men with a 79. Ross Froehlich, Algona, carded an 81; Tom Thompson, Emmetsburg, an 82 and Kyle Brandt, Spencer, an 84. Team score is 326.

"Overall, I wouldn’t say anyone was real happy with their score today," said Coach Dan Soper. "But, they’re in the right frame of mind for play" (Wednesday.)

"Their drives were good, it’s just that they’re not making their putts," Coach Soper said. "As they become more familiar with the greens, they’ll settle in a little better."

The Laker men played early – starting at 7:40 a.m. when the temperature was in the mid-50s. When they finished play, it was about 80 degrees with winds around 10 mph.

Tuesday evening, the golfers participated in a fishing contest. "They’ll make it a fun experience and get back out tomorrow and see what happens," Coach Soper said.

Tee times Wednesday are later, with the men starting at 11:40 a.m.

The NJCAA Men’s Division II Golf Championship is being played at Goose Pond Colony in Scottsboro, Ala. The George Cobb designed course sits on the banks of the Tennessee River and has received a four star rating from Golf Digest. Par is 72. Complete results can be found at www.goosepond.org.