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Ashland University's men's golf team wanted to go into the winter offseason on a high note, and Saturday's (Oct. 19) first round at Davenport's Panther Invitational is one of the highest notes in program history.
The Eagles' first-round score of 273 not only leads the 11-team field, it also is the lowest team round in program history, dating back to 1996. The previous low in the last 23 years was 279 in the 2007-08 season at the Great Lakes Fall Regional.
Ashland's team total of 11-under-par is seven shots better than second-place Wayne State (280). Grand Valley State is third at 283.
Individually, freshman Andrew Kolar turned in one of the best 18-hole performances since 1996, leading the field after Round 1 with a 5-under-par 66. The only Eagle round better in that time frame was John Furlong's 65 at the same fall regional in 2007-08.
Right behind Kolar is junior Ben Jones, whose 4-under-par 67, also a collegiate career-low, puts him in second place after 18 holes.
Both senior Patrick Steffen and freshman Jake Amann carded 1-under-par 70s and are tied for sixth place. Amann's round was a career-low, as well.
Sophomore Luke Tanner fired an 80 and is tied for 49th, while freshman Caden Gallagher, playing as an individual, finished the day with a career-low 75.
Ashland's men will finish the fall non-championship season with the second and final round of the Panther Invitational on Sunday (Oct. 20) at 11 a.m.
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