Normal, Il -- August 24, 2026 -- The Parkland College Men's golf team opened the 2026 season at the Heartland Invitational at Weibring Golf Club in Normal this afternoon. As a team, the Cobras are currently tied for second at 12 over through the first round of play.
Freshman Ashton Hutchinson led the Cobras this afternoon, carding a 68, finishing three under par and currently sitting in second place overall. The Cobras had a strong showing from the rest of the team as well:
- 6th: Ian VanEtten 72 (+1)
- T7th: Oscar Jarl 73 (+2)
- T13th: Vilhelm Sigaard 75 (+4)
- T18th: Brady Guenther 76 (+5)
- T22nd: Jack Astbury 77 (+6)
- T32nd: Easton Friedman 79 (+8)
As a team the Cobras finished with a score of 296, finishing 12 over to tie for second place with Illinois Central College. The Cobras currently sit 8 shots behind 1st place Black Hawk College, who shot a 288 (+4).
Head coach Nick Berger commented on a successful first round of the season, highlighting the team's overall performance:
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"Overall, very happy with the fight the guys had in them today. Excited for round 2 and see how some of these guys respond. As a team we are young and have a lot to learn about each other. Personally, I think the best is yet to come for a lot of these guys. Great playing by Ashton shooting three-under in his first college tournament. I know he was a bit nervous at the start but found his groove quickly. Also, very happy to see Oscar and Ian put together some nice rounds. Looking forward to tomorrow and an early 8 AM start."
The Cobras will play in the second and final round of the Heartland Invitational tomorrow, August 25th.
