Washington hosts events at different locations

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Washington's golf schedule features some unique events.

The Warriors capitalized on the chance to hold tournaments at courses unlikely to host prep competition.

Washington finished fourth at the Warrior Invitational Tuesday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. Yes, the Warriors held a meet more than 90 minutes away from its normal home at Gardner Golf Course. Washington also will host the CRANDIC meet Sept. 8 at Cedar Rapids Country Club.

'It's changed a lot in terms of playing different places,” said Washington junior Frank Lindwall, who claimed medalist honors with 68 Tuesday. 'We are playing some of the best courses.”

TPC Deere Run hosts the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic annually, played by major championship winners Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson. Washington co-head coaches Chris James and Dennis Goettel jumped at the chance to add the special event, replacing an invitational Dubuque Wahlert hosted in Galena, Ill.

'They decided they wouldn't do it anymore,” James said. 'Denny and I thought about it and thought outside the box, looking at some place we don't get to play.”

Washington's golf program has connections to CRCC, which seemed to welcome opening its doors to the prep players and programs. James also said that these venues will help golfers when they play tougher courses in the summer. The opportunity has been well received.

'It's really fun,” Lindwall said. 'It's great to play on some of the top courses.”

The Class 4A state tournament will be held at Elmcrest Country Club on Oct. 9-10.

Linn-Mar actually was the top area finisher at TPC Deere Run. The Lions shot 308 to get third, beating the Warriors by two strokes. Waukee won the event with 294, six shots ahead of runner-up West Des Moines Dowling.

WEST WELCOMES NEWCOMERS

Iowa City West produced a strong start to the season, finishing second at the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet at Jones Golf Course last week. West Coach Don Bristow said he was pleased with performances, in addition to medalist J.D. Goodfellow.

Among those was Kyle Spence, who rounded out the team's 307 score with an 81.

'(Spence) just came back from overseas,” Bristow said. 'He's a freshman and shot 81 in his first tournament. He's doing a good job.”

Bristow also complimented the work of Kyle Jenkins, who carded 78. He welcomed back senior Spencer Wiskus, who recently helped the Trojans to a second-straight runner-up finish at the state baseball tournament. Wiskus opened the season at 85, despite a long hiatus from varsity golf.

'He came out as a freshman and hasn't come out the last two years,” Bristow said. 'He had a swing problem for a while but he's doing well, too.”

West placed seventh with 349 at its Blue Top Ridge Invitational on Tuesday. West Des Moines Valley won the event with 314.

MVC DIVISIONAL MEETS

The MVC Super Meet was the first of three 18-hole rounds that will determine divisional champions and all-conference performers. Two more divisional rounds will be Sept. 14 and 28.

The MVC Valley Division will compete at Hunters Ridge Golf Course for the next round, closing at The Meadows in Dubuque.

The MVC Mississippi Division will play at The Meadows and Gates Park in Waterloo.

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