The Ashland University men’s golf team kicked off their season this past tuesday at the Ohio Dominican University Kickoff Classic in Blacklick, Ohio at the Jefferson Country Club.

For the second year in a row, the eagles started with a great finish of fifth place out of the 14 teams after 36 holes on Sept. 4.

The Eagles ended the day with a team score of (303-295—598). The University of Indianapolis won the team title with a of (280-286—566), followed by Findlay University (293-291—584) and Otterbein University (289-295—584) in a tie for second place. Last season, the Eagles finished tied for third in the 17-team field at this same event.

Sophomore Ben Jones turned in a strong tournament to tee off the year, finishing in a tie for fourth place individually at 1-under par (72-71—143) after 36 holes.

The Eagles’ breakout day was turned in by senior Cole Smith, who, despite playing as an individual and not counting in AU’s team score, finished in a tie for 10th place at 2-over par (78-68—146).

Following Jones and Smith was senior Austin Kondratick, who placed in a tie for 19th at (75-74—149). Kondratick ended the day with five birdies, four during the second round.

Rounding out the team effort was redshirt freshman Luke Tanner finished tied for 27th, (78-74—152), junior Patrick Steffen finished tied for 33rd, (78-76—154) and sophomore Hunter Lowder finished tied for 58th  (78-86—164). Also playing as an individual was sophomore Ben Koshmider who finished tied for 45th, (77-81—158).