WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – The Gustavus men’s golf team had an impressive showing through the first round of the Williams Fall Invitational, finishing Saturday’s competition tied for second. Middlebury is leading the field with a 12-over 296, while the Gusties are in a three-way tie with Tufts and Endicott with a one-round 303 at the prestigious Taconic Country Club. 

Chris Gutuza (Jr., Johannesburg, South Africa) is headlining day one, sitting in fifth overall with a two-over 73. The junior carded a birdie and a three-shot eagle in the first round en route to his top-five standing on Saturday. Behind him is Teddy Kaste (Sr., Apple Valley), who is in 14th with a four-over 41. Kaste added a trio of birdies to his round one performance. 

Jack Reinardy (Sr., Andover) is next for the Gusties, with a six-over 77 and a trio of birdies, while Pelayo Perez Crespo (Jr., Sotogrande, Spain) is in 39th, one shot behind Reinardy with a birdie for a 78. First-year Jimmy Abdo (Edina) is in 49th with three birdies of his own for a one-round 79. 

“The guys got off to a pretty good start today,” said Assistant Coach Randall Stuckey ’83. “After the first round, you want to be in contention to win the tournament on day two. Fortunately, we are in that spot. Tomorrow’s success is going to depend on being committed to more of their shots instead of having defensive swings, and also a few better decisions about areas that can get us in trouble. It’s a second shot course with very sloped greens so ball placement is critical. The guys have a great chance to prove how good they are.”

The team continues competition tomorrow, looking to hold onto their standing and catch up to leader Middlebury, who is seven strokes ahead. The No. 24 Gusties finished third in the same tournament last season.