Senators in 12th place after first day of NJCAA DII Fall Championship Preview

PLYMOUTH, IN – Walters State opened up their fall golf season on Tuesday, participating in the opening day of the NJCAA DII Fall Championship Preview at Swan Lake Golf Resort.

After 36 holes, the Senators sit in a tie for 12th place at 23-over. Walters State shot 11-over during the first 18 and 12-over during the second 18. 

Leading the way for Walters State was Ayden Smith in 11th place at 2-under. Smith was on fire in his opening 18 holes, shooting a 4-under 68. Smith birdied the fourth and fifth holes but sat at 1-over through 14 holes. However, Smith eagled 15, birdied 17 and eagled 18 to finish off strong. In round two, Smith shot 2-over with birdies on the sixth and 18th holes. 

In second for Walters State was Brant Kardatzke in 19th place at even-par. Kardatzke shot 1-over in round one with a birdie on five and eagle on 15, and followed it up with a one-under in round two. Kardatzke had birdies on the eighth, ninth and 12th holes and did not bogey a hole after the third hole. 

Next up was Maddox Butler in 73rd place at 14-over. Butler shot 6-over in his opening round, with a birdie on the first and 15th holes. Butler followed it up with an 8-over second round, birdieing the first and 15th holes once again. 

In 75th place is Blake Dawson at 15-over. Dawson shot 8-over in his opening round with a birdie on the fifth hole and shot 7-over in round two with a birdie on hole six. 

Rounding out the team was Alex Gaetz in 84th at 17-over. Gaetz had two birdies in his opening round, on the 15th and 18th holes, and shot 13-over. Gaetz followed it up with a four-over in round two, birdieing the third and 15th holes. 

Playing as an individual was Bryce Guinn, in 64th place at 11-over. Guinn shot 6-over in round one with birdies on the 10th and 15th holes and shot 5-over in round two with a birdie on the sixth hole. 

As a team, the Senators shot 7-under on the 15th hole. 

Up Next:

Walters State will close out their time at the NJCAA DII Fall Championship Preview on Wednesday at Swan Lake Golf Resort.