First-year Kirtland coach Al Canitia couldn’t have been more pleased with how the Hornets opened the 2017 season on Monday.
Despite a scheduling snafu, the Hornets got into synch early and cruised to a second place finish with 327 strokes at the Bronko Invitational at Hemlock Springs.
“That was fun for sure,” Canitia said. “I liked what I saw. It was a longer course and we had some nice scores.”
Hawken won the event with a tournament low 307 and Perry was third with 335. Edgewood (347) and Berkshire (351) rounded out the top five.
Kirtland and several other teams were under the impression the tournament would begin at 9:00 a.m. The Hornets arrived shortly before 8:30 and found out they had to tee off almost immediately.
“Almost everyone thought it was starting at 9:00 so we got there about 8:25 and found out the course kind of moved (the time), so we didn’t get any practice. We got out kind of cold and then went after it.”
Jack Dever tied for third individually with a 77.
“I am very satisfied with the way I played today,” Dever said. “I have put in so much work in the offseason to get to where I am now. Last year I shot a 96 at this same tournament, so it feels good to know my score reflected the hard work and dedication that I put in during the summer.”
Dever hopes to carry this momentum into the rest of the season.
“Being able to shoot a 77 at the first tournament of the year sets a bar for myself for the rest of the season and it also gives me the confidence I need to succeed,” he said. “I will continue to try and get better as the season goes on. I think this is going to be a very fun year and I think our team can have a very successful year. We are a talented team that can shoot lower and lower as the year goes on.”
Adam Mueller opened the tournament with a triple bogey but rebounded to finish with a 79 and Michael Schnur carded an 81.
Isabel Anness opened the season with a 90, one of the lowest scores in her two-year career.
“That’s a great score for a 4-foot-11 girls on a 6,500-yard course,” Canitia said. “She did really well.”
The Hornets return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Pleasant Hills Golf Course to compete in the Badger Invitational.
