Newton golfers swinging tough against top teams

ANKENY — Shooting just four shots over what they scored in Tuesday’s golf tournament, Newton’s Cardinals landed in seventh place at Wednesday’s Ankeny Invitational. The Cardinals put together a 337 for the 18-hole event at Otter Creek, but four teams scored under 300 for the day.

Waukee, which won at Ottumwa on Tuesday with a 307, racked up a 286 to win Ankeny. Newton had been fourth at Ottumwa.

Ankeny Centennial finished with a 287 followed by Dowling with 295, and Valley with 296. Southeast Polk fired a 208, and Ankeny came in at 331. Urbandale was eighth with a 345 followed by Fort Dodge at 371, and DSM North at 447.

“Those top five teams are five of the best teams in the state. I would say they are all in the top 10 or 15 at the least,” said Pat Riley, Newton head golf coach. “While we are up against tough odds in these tournaments, I like that we are playing the best of the best. That helps motivate us.”

Devin Shores finished with a 77 to lead the Cardinals. Riley said Shores didn’t putt well in the tournament or he would have been in the low 70s. Cory Hartgers turned in a “fine outing,” according to Riley, by posting an 84.

Bobby Dowling shot an 85. Derek Damman, who told his coach that he had eight or nine putts that “lipped out” during the competition, finished with a 91.

Austin Reynolds came in with a 94 and Evan Shimon carded a 107.

Newton goes to Ames on Monday. Riley said the Cardianals will have another great test at the Ames tournament because many of the same teams will be in the event.