GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The Gonzaga University men's golf team opened the 2012 spring season Monday and finds itself in 11th after 36 holes of the Snowman Getaway Invitational hosted by Washington State University at the Palm Valley Golf Club in Goodyear, Ariz.
The Bulldogs posted a 608 after rounds of 297-311 at the par-72 course.
"Our goal coming into this event was a top 5 finish," explained head coach Robert Gray after the first day was finished. "Going into our final 9-holes today, we had ourselves in great position. However, we struggled in the high winds for those holes, especially the final two holes. We're still in reach of our goal but we're going to need to play really well tomorrow."
Only eight strokes separate the fourth place team of St. John's at 600 and Gonzaga in 11th. The University of Missouri-Kansas City leads the 16-team tournament with a 592 for a 3-stroke lead over Missouri State University.
Freshman Erik Krzyzanowski was the most consistent golfer for the Bulldogs. The Scottsbluff, Neb., native is tied for 18th after shooting 72-77 to post a 5-over par 149 on a day when the wind was at 20-mph with gusts of over 30-mph.
"Erik put together a couple of decent rounds and can possibly squeeze in a top 10 finish with a good round tomorrow," stated Gray.
Junior Travis Johnsen and freshman James Fahy each recorded a 75 in the first round and a 78 in the second round to post a 9-over par 153. They both stand tied for 39th.
Freshman Brendan Connolly opened up the invitational strong, finishing the first 18-holes with a 75 but faltered a tad on the final 18 with an 83 for a 36-hole 158. Connolly's score ties him for 70th.
The final golfer for the Zags was sophomore Peter Gullickson who put in a solid outing of 76-78 for a 10-over par 154.
Mario Clemens and Jay Hwang, both of UCLA, are tied for first individually after the opening day. Clemens shot a 66-73 while Hwang shot a 68-71 for their 5-under par 139.
Gonzaga concludes the tournament Tuesday with 18-holes.
"The weather tomorrow looks to be perfect for posting low scores," stated Gray as he look forward to the final day in Arizona.
