After a slow first round, the Kent State men’s golf team finished their two-round day strong to take a five stroke lead in the Cleveland State Invitational with a team score of 5-under-par.

“This is one of the most resilient group of guys I have been around,” said head coach Herb Page. “There was a 22 shot difference from morning to afternoon.”  

The underclassmen have dominated the team play, comprised of sophomores Chase Johnson, Ian Holt and Spencer Dobbs and freshmen Bjarki Petursson and Gisli Sveinbergsson. Johnson picked up play in his second round and led the Flashes, finishing with a 67, 5-under-par score. Holt finished his round with a solid 68 (-4) score, and Dobbs finished with a 69 (-3) round. Petursson ended with a 71 (-1) score and Sveinbergsson completed his round with a 73 (+1) score.   

Three of the Golden Flashes did not play in team play but did play as individuals. Juniors Chase Parker ended his two-round day with a 77 (+5) score, and Tyler McHugh finished with a 75 (+3) score. Senior Sebastian Bendsen finished with a 78 (+6) score.  

The Golden Flashes will play the third round of the tournament Tuesday morning.

“I think we have to start a little better and get into a nice rhythm,” Page said. “We just have to go out, execute and do the same things we did this afternoon.”

Chris Yamnistky is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].