Nelles leads NIACC in first day at Graceland Spring Invite

March 24, 2023

MARYVILLE, Mo. - Sophomore Kai Nelles shot an 80 to lead the NIACC men's golf team Friday during the first day of the Graceland University Spring Invitational at the Mozingo Lake Golf Course.

NIACC, which is in ninth place as a team with a 341, also received a 82 from Tim Castle, Bryce Malchow shot 86, Ryan Berkley shot 93 and Jackson Koebernick shot 96.

"It was a tough opening round," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "We had a nice week of practice last week but then having to go inside/outside this week because of the weather is tough to get in a flow.

"Even though our scores didn't reflect it much. I saw a lot of positive things happen (Friday) and I'm confident we'll come out stronger effort (Saturday).

Also for the Trojans, Anders Palmquist shot 84, Elic Fjetland shot 89, Mitchell Staudt shot 94 and Bennett Suntken shot 101.

The second day of the Graceland spring invitational is set for Saturday.

"All of them struggled with their short game," Frenz said, "and our putting overall wasn't great. We'll learn from (Friday) and get better."

Team standings - Morningside 301, Hawkeye CC 303, Kansas City (Kan.) CC 313, Southwestern 313, Buena Vista 327, Waldorf 328, Morningside B 335, North Central Missouri 337, NIACC 341, Graceland 362.