With one veteran player missing from the green, the men’s golf team found it challenging to card low scores this week. The team left the Rees Jones Invitational taking seventh place out of 12 on Tuesday night.

Scott Fernandez, who has led the Cyclones with the lowest scores this season, has been chosen to represent his home country, Spain, in the World Amateur.

The team lost a key player at this tournament as Fernandez prepares to play some of the best golfers in the world.

“I felt like we were missing that one consistent score,” said redshirt freshman Collin Foster.

Fernandez has finished in the top 10 in every tournament this season for Iowa State.

“He’s a good player; we always count his scores,” said senior Borja Virto.

Overall, the players feel they didn’t play to their potential throughout the challenging course.

“I feel like we were one of the better teams out there,” Foster said. “If you don’t finish in the top half, there is certainly room for improvement.”

Coach Andrew Tank said he also expected his team to play better throughout the course but acknowledged some bright spots during the meet.

“I was really pleased to see Collin Foster and what he did,” Tank said. “Borja’s finish was [also] good to see.”

Foster, who finished with the second-lowest score, tied for 18th during three rounds with a total of 228 (+12). Foster is still adjusting to collegiate play after his second tournament.

“[I feel like] I still have the training wheels on,” Foster said. “My swing’s a little bit steep right now.”

Virto left South Carolina with the lowest score for Iowa State, finishing tied for 15th place.

“I was just trying to play safe,” Virto said. “[I was] just looking for the middle of the green.”

Virto had trouble with his driver at the tee box, which he plans to straighten out and possibly switch clubs for the next meet.

“If I can get my driver straight and hole a few putts, I should be able to shoot a low score,” Virto said.

While Fernandez will also be absent in Iowa State’s next competition, Tank’s message to his remaining players is to learn from the mistakes made this week.

“I still think guys are making bad decisions on the golf course,” Tank said. “They’re not learning from those mistakes as quickly as I would hope and expect.”

Iowa State will be back on the green at the Firestone Invitational next Monday and Tuesday.