Rutgers men’s golf got a fast start in Ontario on Sunday, and Bennett Espenshade was the reason why.
The junior carded a 4-under-par 68 in the opening round of the Canadian Collegiate Invitational at Oviinbyrd Golf Club in MacTier, Ontario, grabbing the outright lead after 18 holes. His bogey-free round stood alone as the best score of the day, and he finished one shot clear of a four-way tie for second at 3-under.
Espenshade said his favorite moment came on the par-3 14th, where a par save helped him keep everything moving in the right direction.
"I really felt like my driver was playing well during round one," Espenshade said. "The holes were difficult on this course, but I was able to continue some of the great golf we played at Bayonne a week ago and put it together on Sunday."
Rutgers backed up its top man with a strong team effort. Five Scarlet Knights landed inside the top 20 after the first round, and the group sits fourth at +5 in the 13-team field heading into Monday.
"The guys all grinded today, and we had a strong start to the tournament," Espenshade said. "I think if we continue to perform how we did today, we have a chance in this tournament."
The Scarlet Knights brought six golfers to the event, which features NCAA Division I programs with Canadian ties along with the champions of the Canadian University/College Championship.
Espenshade will carry the lead into the second round on Monday, while Rutgers tries to climb higher on the leaderboard behind another solid day from its top scorers.
"I think the key going forward is to stay grounded," Espenshade said.
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