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Austin Peay State University Governors Golf sits in third at Cardinal Intercollegiate after two rounds

APSU Sports Information Office

Austin Peay State University Governors - APSUSimpsonville, KY – Austin Peay State University young men’s golf team experienced a couple of firsts Monday during the first day of the Cardinal Invitational, Monday, at the University of Louisville Club.

Austin Peay Men's Golf. (APSU Sports Information)
Austin Peay Men’s Golf. (APSU Sports Information)

The Governors, who are playing two juniors and three freshmen, had their first tourney lead during the second round while APSU junior Austin Kramer held the tournament lead.

Although the Governors nor Kramer were able to maintain their respective advantages they will be experiencing another first come Tuesday—they will be playing in final three-team group.

The Governors shot a 5-over 293 during the opening round and a 1-over 289 in the second to finish the long day at  582, just two shots behind leader Louisiana-Monroe and one back of host Louisville.

“We played great team golf today—I was proud of them,” APSU interim coach Dustin Korte said. “It was really a mental grind and I was really proud of those three freshmen.

“Our finish was not very good. We really struggled on the last three holes (plus 5) and that is what cost us (the lead). Granted there were some difficult holes there but we have to hold it together.”

Kramer bogeyed two of his final three holes but still finished the second round at 1-under 71 after shooting an opening-round 70. His 3-under 141 is just one shot off the lead.

“Kramer really played good golf until those final holes,” Korte said. “He struggled on a couple of difficult holes but he really had a good day.”

Freshman Jonas Vaisanen, building off last week’s performance at Inverness, shot 74-72=146, leaving him in a 15th-place tie. A second freshman Andres Navarrete shot 77-73=150. With junior Chris Baker getting off to a slow start in Monday’s first round (79-73=152), a third freshman, Colton Godwin stepped up, shooting 72 in the opening round to go with a 79 in the second.

“Colton really stepped up in that first round,” Korte said. “He birdied his first college hole (No. 17) and then shot par for the round.

“But he admitted he was really worn out. Playing 36 holes is really a grind, more mentally than physically.”

When the Govs, who were in third after the first round, soared into the second-round lead Korte was unabashed informing his players where they stood in the standings.

“We were cooking with 5-6-7 holes left and I let a couple of them where we stood,” Korte said. “I want them to getting used to being in that position. I want them to know that pressure and get used to playing with it.

“It is all training. They need to know and understand that pressure for a later date, whether it is a future tournament or conference…it is very important for them to realize it.”

For the Govs to challenge for the tourney title, the formula is pretty simple.

“We have to continue to make birdies,” he said. “We didn’t have a lot of bogeys but every now and then we would have a triple or a double. We got those out of our system.

“It is a blessing to be in the spot we are in—we are going to be in the final group. Tuesday we have to go out and fight. We are not going to play conservatively. We are going to be aggressive.”

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