NIACC shoots opening round 323 at nationals

Devin Koob tees off at the national tournament in Foley, Ala. on Monday. Photo courtesy of Mississippi Gulf Coast sports information.
Devin Koob tees off at the national tournament in Foley, Ala. on Monday. Photo courtesy of Mississippi Gulf Coast sports information.
May 21, 2018

FOLEY, Ala. - Freshman Ben Boerjan shot a 36-39 - 75 to lead the NIACC men's golf team on the first day at the NJCAA Division II national tournament Monday at the Glenlakes Golf Club.

Boerjan, who prepped at St. Ansgar, birdied the two par 3s on the front nine (No. 3 and No. 5), the par 4 ninth and also recorded a birdie on the par-5 16th on the back nine for his 3-over par 75. The 75 was one off his career best round of 74 on day one of the NJCAA Region XI tournament.

After the first round, Boerjan was in a tie for 44th place. Southeast's Kean Kontor leads the field with a first-round 70.

"Ben had a really good nice opening round," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "It seemed like it should have been better. He had four birdies on the day, but also ran into a little trouble on a few holes."

The 75 was the 10th best round at a national tournament since Frenz took over the NIACC golf program in 2007.

Also for the Trojans, who shot a 323 and are in 17th place, on day one, sophomores Devin Koob shot a 40-40 - 80; Josh Schaefer shot a 40-41 - 81; Jordan Voves shot a 44-43 - 87 and Anthony Emanuel shot a 47-43 - 90.

"The rest of the guys aren't happy with their play (Monday)," Frenz said. "This is a course that you can shoot some low scores.

"They just go themselves out of position and didn't give themselves opportunities to score. Josh played well but the putts were not dropping. Devin birdied two of his last three and hung in there."

The second round of the tournament is set for Tuesday. The Trojans begin to tee off at 11:30 a.m. with Voves.

"We just need to get more from the 4-5 scores," Frenz said. "They'll get back at it (Tuesday) afternoone and battle like they always do."

Tyler Junior College held the lead after the first day with a 289. Kirkwood is tied for fourth at 294 and DMACC is tied for 12th at 310.

NIACC MEN'S TOP NATIONAL TOURNAMENT ROUNDS UNDER FRENZ

Levi Fink (Day 2, 2014) 68

Levi Fink (Day 4, 2014) 70

Sam Steinwand (Day 1, 2015) 70

Sam Steinwand (Day 3, 2015) 71

Levi Fink (Day 3, 2014) 72

Max Rohlfsen (Day 2, 2011) 73

Jacob Urdahl (Day 1, 2013) 74

Dalton Olson (Day 1, 2013) 74

Sam Steinwand (Day 4, 2015) 74

Ben Boerjan (Day 1, 2018) 75