Rutgers
Canadian Collegiate
Men's Golf's Espenshade Leads Canadian Collegiate Through 1st Round
Sep 13 | Men's Golf
MacTier, Ontario – Rutgers men's golf junior Bennett Espenshade shot a 4-under-par 68 on Sunday to take the outright first-round lead at the Canadian Collegiate Invitational, hosted by Golf Canada at Oviinbyrd Golf Club.
Espenshade's bogey-free round put him one clear of a four-way tie for second at 3-under, and it was the low round of the day across the entire field.
Espenshade pointed to a par save on the par-3 14th hole as his favorite shot of the day, saying it helped keep his momentum going.
"I really felt like my driver was playing well during round one," Espenshade said. "The holes were difficult on this course, but I was able to continue some of the great golf we played at Bayonne a week ago and put it together on Sunday."
Rutgers had a strong showing across the board, placing five golfers inside the top 20 through round one. As a team, the Scarlet Knights sit fourth at +5 in a 13-team field heading into Monday.
"The guys all grinded today, and we had a strong start to the tournament," Espenshade said. "I think if we continue to perform how we did today, we have a chance in this tournament."
- Bennett Espenshade – 1st, -4
- Daniel Martinez Regal (individual) – T6, -2
- Argyle Downes – T17, +1
- Carlo Melgrati – T32, +3
- TJ Thompson – T48, +5
- Lucas Politano – T59, +7
The Scarlet Knights sent a six-man contingent to the event, which brings together NCAA Division I programs with Canadian ties alongside the champions of the Canadian University/College Championship.
Espenshade will look to build on his lead when second-round play continues Monday, and Rutgers will look to move up the leaderboard behind another strong showing from its top scorers.
"I think the key going forward is to stay grounded," Espenshade said.
