Damman claims medalist honors at Knoxville Invite

KNOXVILLE — Derek Damman played Pine Knolls Country Club’s golf course as if it was his home course in Saturday’s Knoxville Invitational. Newton High’s Damman carded a one-under par 34 on his final nine holes to finish at 72.

Damman’s 72 (38-34) earned him medalist honors, beating two Knoxville golfers. Cam Arkema was two strokes back and Ben Galeazzi finished with a 76 for third while leading the Panthers to the team title at their own 18-hole tournament.

“I was really excited and proud of Derek’s effort Saturday. He started off four over par after three holes and finished the last 15 holes one under,” Newton head coach Pat Riley said. “He just has that ability to switch it on and go. He hits the ball so far that he has the potential to birdie every hole because a lot of time his second shots are chips onto the green.”

Newton’s Cardinals finished in second place at the tournament with a four-man total of 322, 11 strokes behind Knoxville’s 311. Grinnell was third at 336 with Conner McKay and Brady Ellis tied for fourth with 77s.

Prairie City-Monroe’s Mustangs rang up a 339 for fourth place followed by Chariton at 359, Albia at 365 and Pella at 406.

PCM’s Reid Jenkins fired a 78 to lead the Mustangs. Logan Gilman had an 84 and Reed Worth shot an 88. Ryan Hill and Braden Phifer each finished at 89. Dayton Boell shot 91.

Newton junior Trey Vanderlaan carded an 82 on even rounds of 41. Senior Payton Thomas had rounds of 42 and 41 for an 83. Austin Reynolds, a junior, finished with an 85 (41-44).

“Trey had another consistent day as did Payton. Austin struggled a little, but we all have those days,” Riley said.

Juniors Paul Maharry and Sam Supino each put up a first round of 51 Saturday. Maharry finished at 92 and Supino came in at 98.

“We still have room to grow and I know we will. All in all, it was a good day for the Cardinals,” Riley said.

Newton plays a triangular at 4 p.m. Thursday at Winterset. PCM plays at 2 p.m. Monday at West Marshall.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at
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