HOLLISTER -- The Missouri State men's golf team is in seventh place after the first day of the Branson Creek Invitational in Hollister, Mo. The Bears posted 307-296--603 in Monday's (Apr. 5) two trips around the Branson Creek Golf Club, a par 71, 6942-yard layout.
Northern Illinois leads the nine-team field after firing 293-293--586, just ahead of Southern Illinois' 292-297--589, Western Illinois' 293-298--591 and Stephen F. Austin's 298-294--592. UNI is fifth with 598, followed by Creighton at 601, the Bears at 603, Houston Baptist with 606, and Bradley at 618.
Jeff Dick of Northern Illinois is threatening to run away with medalist honors after shooting 68-69--137, five-under-par, and six ahead of a trio sitting at 143 -- teammate Griffin Bauman, Troy Hoffman of UNI and Kyle Robbins of Stephen F. Austin.
Sophomore Will Hogan leads the way for the Bears after carding 75-72--147, which ties him for 11th. Next is junior Jack Courington, who's tied for 14th after shooting 76-73--149, followed by senior Jay McBride, who's tied for 24th with 77-74--151. Senior Ryan Weinhaus shot 79-77--156 and junior Matt Cermak posted 79-78--157. The highlight of the day for Cermak was his fifth career hole-in-one, which came at the 152-yard 11th hole with a nine iron.
A pair of Bears competed as individuals, so are not eligible to count toward the team score. Sophomore Mark Hogan is tied for 24th after carding 74-77--151 and senior Scott Glenn is tied for 32nd at 75-79--154.
Tuesday's final round is scheduled for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.
