The Gopher men’s golf team finished their second tournament of the season on a high note, as three different players wearing maroon and gold finished in the top 25 at the Maui Jim Intercollegiate in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The team tied for ninth place, and was able to finish with a combined 54-hole total of 831 (279-269-283). Minnesota finished with a score of 9-under par, which is the team’s lowest score to par since going 17-under at the 2016 Alister Mackenzie Invitational.
To highlight the successful outing, Senior Thomas Longbella was able to lead the way with an impressive first round score at 5-under par (65), and ultimately finishing in a tie for 15th place at 6-under par (204). Along with Longbella, both Junior Angus Flanagan and Freshman Connor Glynn finished in 24th place at 3-under par (207). Flanagan was able to muster up a stunning final round on Sunday shooting 4-under par (66) which included five successful birdie opportunities. Simultaneously Glynn was 1-under in Sunday’s final round, overcoming two missed opportunities for par with a pair of birdies to finish with a score of 69.
It is worth noting that freshman and Minnesota’s 2019 Mr. Golf Connor Glynn has now had consecutive top 25 finishes for both individual and team performances. This is exciting considering that Glynn is already showing his maturity and ability to play on par with players that have more collegiate experience than he does.
This is now the fifth time in Longbella’s career with the Gopher’s that he has led the team in a tournament, and his first since last season.
“When I’m able to perform my best my mind is relaxed, and I let my instincts take over. I try to not get wrapped up in scores. I know what I need to do and I go out and do it. Being my last year I really just want to go out there and enjoy it.” Longbella said.
When asked about future success in upcoming tournaments Longbella stated that “For me, I really just need to go out there and stick to my game plan. I love being with my teammates and competing, it’s something that brings us closer together as a group.”
Looking forward the Gophers will plan to take their positive energy into New Haven, Connecticut. Beginning Saturday, September 28 the team will face off in the Macdonald Cup hosted by Yale University, and rely on their exciting young core to make some noise on the east coast.
