Walker Leads Iowa at ASU Thunderbird

April 2, 2016

Day 1 Results

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TEMPE, Ariz. — Following Saturday’s first and second rounds of the ASU Thunderbird Invitational, the University of Iowa men’s golf team is tied for fourth place at 554 (-14; 277, 277) and sits four strokes out of first place heading into Sunday’s final round. The two-day, 54-hole event is being played at Arizona State’s Karsten Golf Course.

“We played with composure, took advantage of our opportunities, and recovered well when we needed it,” said UI head coach Tyler Stith. “We are in a good position heading into tomorrow’s final round and are excited for the challenge.”

Iowa State leads the 13-team field at 550 (-18; 274, 276), while tournament host and fifth-ranked Arizona State sits in second at 551 (-17; 277, 274).

Three Hawkeyes currently sit in the top-12 on the individual leaderboard, led by freshman Matthew Walker who is tied for sixth. The Ottumwa, Iowa, native carded a two-under-par 69 in the first round before following up with a bogey-free 67 in the second. Walker’s four-under-par 67 in the second round marks the best 18-hole score of his career.

“Walker was in control all day,” said Stith. “He got a few putts to drop early and that gave him some confidence. A bogey-free 67 in the second round of a 36-hole day is awesome.”

Senior Nate Yankovich and sophomore Sam Meuret are both tied for 12th at 139 (-3) following Saturday’s first and second rounds. Yankovich posted rounds of 69 (-2) and 70 (-1), while Meuret notched a 68 (-3) and 71 (E). Meuret’s 68 in the opening round marks the best 18-hole score of his career. The Brunswick, Nebraska, native has now made par or better in four of his last five rounds.

After carding a two-over-par 73 in the first round, junior Raymond Knoll put together a solid second round, making par or better on 15 holes on his way to carding a two-under-par 69. Knoll is even through two rounds, putting him in a tie for 22nd place heading into Sunday’s final round.

Junior Carson Schaake is tied for 36th after posting rounds of 71 (E) and 74 (+3). Schaake made par or better on 28 holes, including five birdies.

Competing as an individual, freshman Aaron DeNucci is tied for 69th at 156 (+14; 77, 79).

The Hawkeyes conclude play at the 44th annual ASU Thunderbird Invitational on Sunday. Tee times begin at 9:30 a.m. (CT) off holes one and 10. Live scoring is available at golfstat.com.