Newton takes third at Cardinal Invitational

Straight-up noon Thursday had the golfers competing in the 2013 Newton Cardinal Culver’s Golf Invitational dealing with 90-plus degree temperatures as they played the 18 holes of Westwood Golf Course.

Newton’s Cardinals played their home course “pretty well,” according to NHS head coach Pat Riley. Southeast Polk and Mason City’s golfers played just a bit better than the Cardinals.

Southeast Polk won the Cardinal Culver’s Golf Invitational with a team low, 301. Mason City combined for a 316.

Newton placed third with a four-man total of 323. Indianola also had 323 followed by Marshalltown at 326, Norwalk 3378, Des Moines Lincoln 380, Abraham Lincoln 387 and Des Moines Hoover at 398.

“I thought the guys played pretty well today,” Riley said. “I know they don’t feel like they are shooting up to par, no pun intended, but I believe we will continue to get better.”

Derek Damman had another sub-80 outing to lead the Cardinals. Damman carded a 79 with Devin Shores one stroke behind at 80. Cory Hartgers shot an 82 and Bobby Dowling had an 83.

Austin Reynolds finished with an 84 for Newton. Tyler Thongvanh was the other NHS varsity player Thursday, shooting a 97.

Indianola’s Adam Heater was the top medalist, shooting a 69. SEP’s Zak Karns had a 72 for second followed by Jared Rowe of Mason City with a 73. Three golfers came in at 76 — Brandon Norman and Jon Hartung of Southeast Polk and Michael Schrempf of Marshalltown.

“We will have a couple good practices before next week’s meets at Ottumwa on tuesday and Ankeny on Wednesday. I do like where this team is headed,” Riley said.

The Newton junior varsity team shot a 386 in the tournament. Newton’s top six junior varsity players were led by Evan Shimon and Payton Thomas, both with 93s. Jordan Henning had a 98. Paul Maharry finished with a 100 followed by Hunter Hartgrave at 101 and Trey Vanderlaan at 103.