The Ankeny boys’ golf team hasn’t always played the best this season on unfamiliar courses.
Monday, though, wasn’t one of those days.
The Hawks placed fourth among eight squads in the Steve Spray Invitational at the Indianola Country Club. They posted a 305 total, their second-best score away from Otter Creek this fall.
“It was a good Monday for us as I was happy with shooting a 305 on another unfamiliar course for several of the guys,” said Ankeny coach Mike Weddingfeld. “Overall, I thought the team performed well and hopefully we can continue the trend on Wednesday (in the Southeast Polk Invitational) at Copper Creek.”
Indianola shot a 286 to capture the team title. Sixth-ranked Dallas Center-Grimes was second with a 293, followed by Southeast Polk with a 300.
“We knew going in that the three teams that beat us would be tough to beat, and Indianola played a great tournament on their home course,” Weddingfeld said.
Indianola’s Jackson Buchanan carded a 67 to earn medalist honors. Teammate Ryker Burgin was the runner-up with a 70.
Ankeny was led by Gavin Ross, who shot a 73 to place sixth.
“Gavin played another really solid round,” Weddingfeld said. “I know he wishes he could get hole No. 13 back, but his front nine was phenomenal and he bounced back well after No. 13, making a great putt to save par on 14–which was his last hole of the round.”
Riley Dueker fired a 76 for the Hawks.
“Riley also played a very solid round and really helped us,” Weddingfeld said. “He has been playing some good golf lately, and I hope that continues for him.”
Ankeny’s Griffen Beelner carded a 77. Ryan Constable shot a 79, Chase Ortega had an 81, and Elliott McHose added a 93.
“It was good to round out the scoring with a 77 from Griffen and a 79 from Ryan,” Weddingfeld said. “Ryan played 17 great holes, but he hit an errant shot long over the green on No. 10, which if you know hole 10 it is probably the toughest green out there bordered by two creeks. He made a triple (bogey), but other than that mistake he played great.”