EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - The Gustavus men's golf team opened the 2026-27 season today, competing at the Wrigglesworth Blugold Invitational, hosted by UW-Eau Claire. 

Today was the first day of a 36-hole, two-day event at Eau Claire Golf & Country Club and there will be room for improvement for the Gusties as they head into the final 18 holes. After the first day, the Gusties are tied for 15th.

Sophomore Kyle Peterson (Duluth, Minn.) had the best round of the day for Gustavus, starting with an even-par 36 on the first nine holes of his season. The back nine was not kind to Peterson, who shot a 41 for a +6 (77). Senior Blake Forrest (Maple Grove, Minn.) and sophomore Charlie Looker (Cottage Grove, Minn.) followed closely behind at +7 (78) but got there in different ways. Forrest went 36-42-78 and Looker was a bit more consistent between the two sections at 38-40-78. First-year Noah Gratil (Mellieha, Malta) was the only first-year in the lineup today and was the last scorer for the Gusties, shooting a 39-40-79. 

Gustavus only found five birdies across the 90 holes played amongst the five competitors but were plagued by 10 holes that resulted in a double bogey or worse. Also of note was first-year Ryan Stanek (Stillwater, Minn.), competing for the 'B' team, who was tied for the best Gustavus score of the day with Peterson at 77. 

The team will compete again tomorrow to wrap up the Wrigglesworth Blugold Invitational, teeing off at 9:00 a.m. at Wild Valley Golf Course.