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MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. – The Carleton College men’s golf team is in a tie for third place out of 15 teams after the opening round of the Minnesota Golf Classic, the first tournament of the 2025-26 season. The Knights were led by junior Justin Rodriguez, who shot a two-under-par 70.
As a team, the Knights shot 297 (+9) and are tied with the University of Wisconsin-Stout and Lake Forest College. The host team, Bethel University, is in the lead at even par (288), and sitting four shots behind them is Saint John’s University at 292 (+5).
Rodriguez ended the day in a tie for seventh place among the 109-player field, which includes 29 NCAA Division I players.
Participating in his first tournament for the Knights, first-year Austin Mak is playing as an individual entrant and carded a one-over-par 73. He is tied for 31st on the individual leaderboard.
Junior Sam Higaki started the day on the back nine with the shotgun start and was five-over-par on holes 10-18. He then birdied hole one, shot pars on the next seven holes, and finished the day with a birdie for a 75 (+3). Higaki is tied for 47th place overall.
Rounding out the scoring for the Knights were sophomores Dillon Croco and Gareth Birney, who each shot 76 (+4). Senior Gordon Walker was the final representative in the lineup for Carleton with a 77 (+5).
First-year Oscar Peche also participated as an individual entrant and shot 84 (+12) in the opening round.
“The guys played great today. It’s always a little difficult to start, top, and then restart due to the weather, but they managed it well, said Carleton head coach Sloan Wallgren. “Super happy with their first tournament round of the year. They are fired up to come out and compete again tomorrow.”
The tournament concludes with 36 holes on Sunday, beginning with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.
