Earlier this week, the Kenyon men’s golf team headed to Prattville, Alabama, to take part in the Capitol City Classic. Despite some ups and downs throughout the tournament, the Owls ultimately tied for fifth in a field of 18 teams with a score of 61.83 points, tying their previous best finish of the season. 

The three-round tournament spanned Monday and Tuesday, with the Owls shooting 298 and 293 for the first two rounds on Monday, respectively, before finishing the third round on Tuesday with a score of 294. After the first two rounds, the Owls found themselves in seventh place, before their third-round score pushed them ahead of No. 2 Washington and Lee University (Va.), catapulting them to a three-way tie for fifth. 

Connor Gray ’28 led the charge for Kenyon during the first round with the low score of 71 through all 18 holes. He was followed up by Jaiden Koonar ’27, who managed to finish with a 75 despite triple-bogeying the fifth hole. Jonathan Oakes ’27, Adrian Jordan ’28 and Rafael Frias IV ’27 rounded out the Kenyon quintet with respective scores of 76, 76 and 78 in round one. 

The Owls improved their score in round two, this time with Oakes spearheading the charge. The junior finished the round with a 70 through 18 holes. Koonar also impressed this round, improving his score by shooting 1-over par for a 73. The Owls remained in the same team position after the second round, sitting in seventh place.

After getting some rest on Monday night, the Owls looked to leave it all on the course. Tuesday’s round saw Kenyon in better form as both Koonar and Oakes improved upon their individual scores, shooting a 73 and 71, respectively, to catapult the Owls up the leaderboard into fifth. Jordan also had a strong final day, carding a 74. 

Now, the Owls look toward their final tournament of the regular season before the NCAC Championships. Next week Kenyon will take on the course at the Sam Snead College Tournament in Williamsburg, Virginia.