Rochester, New York – University of Mary Hardin-Baylor men’s golfer Mats Heien had an up-and-down day in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Golf National Championship Tuesday in New York. Heien fired a first-round 77 and is tied for 69th place after the first day. He was selected to compete as an individual in this year’s tournament.
Heien started on the back nine and opened his round with four bogeys in the first five holes to move to four-over par. Heien then birdied 15 and bogeyed 17 to finish his first nine at four-over par. He added another birdie on hole #6 but also posted three more bogeys to close out his round with a six-over par 77 total. Heien played his opening round on a par-71, 6,645-yard layout at Mendon Golf Club. Kethan Reddy of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps has the individual lead after carding a three-under 68 on Tuesday.
“It was a disappointing day for sure. Mats struggled to put tee shots in play and this course really punishes that with high, thick rough and some very dense trees.” Cru Head Coach Jordan Cox said. “We had a terrific range session after lunch and have some things worked out and I expect him to play to his potential tomorrow. Mats really likes Midvale better and is looking forward to playing well tomorrow.”
Heien will tee off at 1:10 PM Eastern Time at Midvale Country Club for Wednesday’s second round. That course features a par-72, 6,632-yard layout. There will be a cut to the low 15 teams and top six individuals not on one of those teams for the final two rounds of the tournament. The four-day, 72-hole event is being hosted by St. John Fisher College and is played on the two course listed above in Rochester, New York.
