The University of Iowa men’s golf team delivered a strong performance in the second round of the Puerto Rico Classic at Grand Reserve Golf Club, recording a nine-under-par 279 on Tuesday. This effort brings their total to 21-under par, placing them seventh overall as they approach the final round.
Junior Max Tjoa led individually after shooting a five-under-par 67, moving him to 11-under for the tournament. Tjoa made five birdies and avoided any bogeys during his round.
Redshirt freshman Grant Gudgel also posted a five-under-par 67. His round featured an eagle and a bogey-free front nine, bringing his overall score to nine-under par and positioning him within the top five individually.
Sophomore Ryan Shellberg shot an even-par 72 and is now at five-under for the event. He finished his round with three consecutive birdies on holes 16 through 18.
Freshman Bennett Warren contributed with a one-over-par 73, putting him at four-over for the tournament. Sophomore Chance Rinkol completed team play with an eight-over-par 80. Redshirt freshman Jack McCarty, playing as an individual, carded a one-under-par 71 and is even par through two rounds.
Iowa currently stands ahead of several ranked teams such as No. 32 Georgia, No. 29 Louisville, No. 37 Purdue, along with Big Ten rivals Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Head coach Tyler Stith commented on the team’s resilience: “The guys finished solid after a slow start. Todays wind was stronger and we started on an into the wind stretch of holes. We made some early bogies but the guys regrouped and finished the round strong. Max and Grant were rock solid again. They’re both playing with a lot confidence and put themselves in contention.”
The Hawkeyes will conclude their participation in the Puerto Rico Classic on Wednesday.
