The Gophers trip to Georgia included a career round from senior Charlie Duensing. 

Duensing led the way in the second round, shooting a career-best, five-under 67. Minnesota finished tied for 11th overall in the Schenkel Invitational in Statesboro, Georgia after shooting a team score of three-over par.

“Can’t explain how proud [I am] of how these kids are fighting,” associate head coach Justin Smith said. “The second round was quite the magical day, but overall, [I’m] really proud of how they are competing.”

The tournament featured 14 teams, with Vanderbilt taking home the championship. The Gophers put together their lowest round of the 2017-18 season, where they shot a combined score of eight-under par on day two of the tournament.

In the final round, the Gophers moved up one spot on the leaderboard to finish tied for 11th. Senior Riley Johnson had the best round of the day, shooting a three-under par 69. He and freshman Angus Flanagan were the top finishers for the Gophers after three rounds. They each finished tied for 43rd out of 84 golfers. 

Three Gophers went under par in the second round. Along with Duensing’s career round, senior Rúnar Arnórsson shot a three-under 69. He had three birdies on the back nine to post his lowest round of the 2017-18 season. Flanagan finished the day tied 29th after shooting a two-under round. 

To finish five-under on the second round, Duensing shot six-under on the back nine alone — including five birdies and an eagle in the final six holes. 

“[Duensing] has been playing so well, his preparation has been so good, his talent is limitless,” Smith said. “It was something we needed, and we know he is capable of doing something like that.”

In the first round, Minnesota finished the day tied for 13th. The team shot a combined total of eight-over par. Sophomore Thomas Longbella shot an even par to lead the Gophers after day one. 

“We just need to clean up some things on the greens, and if we do that, we can compete with the best teams in the country,” Smith said.