By Mason Nesbitt, TMU Sports Information Director

This tournament won’t ultimately be what the 2018-19 Master’s University men’s golf season is remembered for. The Mustangs pushed into second place on Monday at Olivas Links Golf Course in Ventura before falling back into a tie for sixth by Tuesday’s finish.

That’s not to say there was nothing memorable about the CA State Intercollegiate tournament. Because Jack Dudeck won’t soon forget the way he expertly navigated a course he’s played “millions of times,” and Luke Brueckner isn’t likely to erase the image of his tee shot rolling into the cup on the 17th hole.

Brueckner’s hole-in-one came from 147 yards out. The club was an 8-iron.

“After I hit the shot, I knew it looked good,” said Brueckner, who was playing in his first collegiate tournament. “But I thought I’d just have a good opportunity at birdie. Watching it hit the green and roll into the hole was unreal. My entire group started yelling.”

The top moment went to Brueckner. The best tournament went to Dudeck, who played Olivas Links often as a Southern California high schooler. In this case, familiarity bred confidence.

“I knew I could score out there,” he said. “It was just a matter going out there and playing well.”

He did.

Dudeck, who posted the Mustangs’ best score in the first round of the season-opening competition in Oklahoma City earlier this month, played a more complete tournament this time around.

The freshman followed Monday’s 1-under 71 with an even 72 on Tuesday. The effort produced the first top-10 finish of his career. He tied for eighth.

Joshua Kehl was the next highest finisher for TMU, tying for 11th place with an even 144 for the tournament. Robert Penalber carded a 3-over, good for a share of 17th place.

Master’s shot a collective even par on Monday, falling just short of a team goal to go below par in a round. Still, the group felt energized coming back for day two.

“After the first round, we all knew we left some shots out there,” Dudeck said. “But we were excited that we shot even par and put ourselves in second place. We were looking forward to the next day and having a blast.”

Master’s shot an 8-over on Tuesday to fall four spots in the team standings. But head coach Jacob Hicks didn’t see it as a total disappointment.

“I’d say we’re close. It’s a definite improvement from Oklahoma City,” he said, “but there’s still work to be done, to get ready for the next one.”

TMU next competes at the MCU Fall Invitational, hosted by Marymount California University, at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort in Palm Springs.