SUGAR LAND, Texas -- The University of North Dakota men's golf team opened the championship portion of its 2023-24 season at the HCU Colin Montgomerie Invitational, hosted by Houston Christian University, on Monday from the Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas. 

After two rounds on the opening day, UND sits in 12th place out of 15 teams with a team score of 583 (+7). The Fighting Hawks improved as the day went on, finishing the final 18 holes at an even par and saw two individuals fire below par scores. 

Freshman Joseph Kortan led the way for the green and white through 36 holes, sitting tied for 22nd at -2. The rookie went par in his opening round thanks to a tetrad of birdies before sinking three more in the final 18 to shoot a 70. The par-5 second hole was a good omen for all of the NoDak individuals, each sinking a birdie in the second round. 

Fellow freshman Nathan Peyerl finished right behind his teammate at -1 to enter the final round tied for 24th. The West Fargo, N.D., native also improved as his day went on, shaving a shot off his score in the second round to card a 71 (-1) with six birdies in the frame. 

All four other Hawks improved over the final 18 holes during the day, as Lucas Feterl (+5), Grayson Wetch (+6), Kagan Kollar (+6) and Bradon McGarry (+12) sit tied for 60th, 64th and 76th, respectively. 

North Dakota will close out the tournament with the final round tomorrow beginning at 8:15 a.m. 

DAY ONE RESULTS