Castle leads Trojans at Clarke Spring Invite

GALENA, Ill. - Sophomore Tim Castle shot a 77 to lead the NIACC men's golf team Monday at the Clarke University Spring Invitational at The Galena Golf Club.

NIACC shot a 325 as a team on Monday and placed fourth as the second day of the tournament set for Tuesday was called off due to inclement weather.

Castle, who was the ICCAC men's golfer of the week last week, recorded his second round this spring in the 70s. He shot a 76 last week to win the Graceland University Spring Invitational in less than ideal weather conditions.

"Another brutal day for scoring," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said of Monday's inclement weather conditions, "and another day solid showing for Tim Castle.

"The Galena Golf Club is a tough track, especially on the back nine that was directly into the wind for the first three holes. I thought the guys did a good job overall of keeping their game in check even though the weather was not good as it started raining mid-way through the round."

Castle shot nines of 37 and 40 his round of 77, which is good for tied for third after the first 18 holes.

"Tim really hung in there after a couple of early miscues," Frenz said, "but that just shows how much he has improved. He knows he has the ability to bounce back."

Also for the Trojans on Monday, Anders Palmquist and Elic Fjetland both shot 82s, Jackson Koebernick shot 83 and Bennett Suntken shot 98.

"Anders Palmquist was solid (Monday), as well," Frenz said. "I'm thinking we're not far away from putting things together, but we're learning how to play in below average conditions."

Team standings - Dubuque 302, Loras 319, Dubuque B 322, NIACC 325, Madison College 327, Clarke A 332, Loras B 341, Clarke B 345, Loras C 353, Concordia (Wis.) 390.