Deerwood, MN - The Martin Luther College men's and women's golf team began its 2023-24 season with a pair of invitationals hosted by Minnesota Morris on Monday and Tuesday morning.

Aug. 28 - Morris Invitational (Ruttger's Bay Lake Golf Course)

The Knights competed against fellow UMAC opponents in Bethany and Minnesota Morris, while also being joined by Minnesota Community and Technical College. The course was a Par 72, with the men finishing second out of the four teams, shooting a total of 349 (+61). Bethany took first, shooting 318 (+30). 

For the men's team, sophomore Sam Hansen shot an 81 (+9) which was good enough for second overall, trailing only Jake Swanson of Bethany Lutheran. Newcomer John Martin took sixth overall with a score of 86 (+14) in his college career debut. Jacob Bigelow also went on to shoot a 90 (+18) putting him 12th overall in the individual ranks.

The women shot a 467 (+179) coming in second behind the Morris women. Freshman Olivia Klabunde led the women individually with her score of 102, while Abigail Schewe shot a 113.

To see full results of the golf match check the results link on the schedule.

Aug. 29 - Cougar Classic (Tianna Country Club)

The same four men's teams got together the following morning to play a similar course (Par 72). Bethany would go on to take first with 318 strokes, while MLC placed second again with 323 strokes.

Sam Hansen improved upon his performance from yesterday, shooting a score of 70 (-2) in the 18 holes. The result gave him the first overall spot, edging out Keaton Glinter  71 (-1) from Bethany Lutheran. John Martin shot an 82 (+10) which put him 8th in the tournament and second on the MLC squad. Meanwhile, Paul Frick began his senior season on a high note, shooting an 84 (+12).

The women placed second with 451 strokes and Abigail Schewe trimmed off a few strokes from the previous match, shooting a 105. Olivia Klabunde had the next highest 18-hole score for the Knights, coming in at 112.

To see full results of the golf match check the results link on the schedule.

Both teams will head back onto the golf course for a 10 a.m. tee time on Friday, September 5, at the Fox Hollow Golf Course in St. Michael, MN hosted by Northwestern.