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The drivers, wedges and putters were on fire for Ashland University's men's golf team in the first round of the 2017-18 season on Tuesday (Sept. 5) at the ODU Kickoff Classic in Blacklick, Ohio.
A 36-hole, one-day tournament-best round of 289 allowed the Eagles to finish in a tie for third place in the 17-team field. Ashland ended the day at 289-307—596, just six shots behind champion Findlay (292-298—590) and two shots in back of runner-up Indianapolis (297-297—594).
Ashland's first-round 289 is the program's lowest team score since a 289 in the second round of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Invitational on Sept. 18, 2016.
Junior Austin Kondratick placed fifth individually after carding a career-low round of 67 and ending the day at even-par 67-77—144. Kondratick now has three career rounds of 70 or lower at Ashland, as his 67 shattered his previous collegiate best of 70 (twice).
During his round of 67, which tied for the best of any golfer on the day, Kondratick recorded seven birdies.
Sophomore Patrick Steffen tied for 12th individually at 70-79—149, while freshman Ben Jones was right behind in his first collegiate action (tied for 15th, 74-76—150).
Rounding out Ashland's opening-day lineup were senior Chandler Walnsch (tied for 29th, 79-76—155) and junior Cole Smith (tied for 35th, 78-78—156).
UP NEXT: A quick turnaround for the Eagle men, the two-day Al Watrous Invitational on Saturday (Sept. 9) and Sunday (Sept. 10).
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