Penn State New Kensington Lions leave the practice range and head for the putting green before the start of their Penn State University Athletic Conference match at the Links at Spring Church. The Links has served as the campus home course since 2000.
Penn State New Kensington freshman Daniel Smith (Central Catholic H. S.) fired a collegiate career-best 73 to win the Penn State New Kensington Invitational Sept. 20 at the Links at Spring Church in Apollo, Pennsylvania.
As a team, the New Kensington Lions finished third at 339 in the five-team field, eight shots behind the victorious Butler County Community College squad. New Kensington’s senior Grant Rukat (Riverview) shot 86 and freshman Bobby Piskar (St. Joseph) shot 87, both season-lows for both players. Freshman Zach Butler (Deer Lakes) rounded out the team scoring with a 93.
Coach Tom Combie’s squad closes out the regular season Sept. 26 with a Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) match at the Blue Course at Penn State. The match will feature all eight PSUAC teams and will be the final tune-up before the 36-hole PSUAC conference and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) national championships, Oct. 10 and 11 at the Blue Course.
Smith will try to become the third New Kensington player to win the PSUAC individual championship. John Hook won the title in 2007, and Adam Stawski took top honors in 2012.
For more information, visit PSNK Golf
Penn State New Kensington Invitational Photo Gallery
Assistant coach Bob Milligan lined up freshman Jason Fruh on the practice green.
Senior Grant Rukat nailed a short putt for par on the par-4 11th hole.
Grant Rukat had honors as he teed off on the par-3 12th hole.
Freshman Bobby Piscar took his approach shot over the tree and onto the green at the par-4 13th hole. Piscar parred the hole en route to his collegiate-best 87.
Freshman Zach Butler exploded the ball and grass on the par-5 15th hole.
Daniel Smith's back. The freshman was on his way to medalist honors as he awaited his playing partner’s drive on the par-4 16th hole. Smith shot a one-over 73 to capture his first collegiate tournament.
Penn State New Kensington Invitational
Team Results
1. Butler County Community College-331
2. Penn State Dubois-334
3. Penn State New Kensington-339
4. Penn State Fayette-356
5. Carlow University-363
Medalist
Daniel Smith (New Kensington)-73