For once, the Iowa State men’s golf team had no wind or rain to battle. In the Legends of Indiana Invitational this week, the Cyclones had to contend with incredibly low scores.

ISU shot a 54-hole total of 870, six over par, to claim a share of fifth place out of 18 teams.

Pacing the team was senior Jon Levy, who carded a three-round total of 212, which placed him eighth individually, only five strokes behind medal contention.

Coach Jamie Bermel said he was happy Levy played the way he was capable. “He had a good tournament. He really played solid golf both days,” Bermel said.

Bermel was quick to point out that Levy was not the only one to show improvement on the leader board.

“Scott Hart had a good finish. He played 2-under the final round,” Bermel said.

Hart was the Cyclones second-best scorer, finishing in a tie for 21st place.

For the first time this season, junior Matt Lewis was not the team’s best finisher.

Lewis finished in a tie for 39th place overall.

Bermel called Lewis’ performance “an average tournament for him.”

Jon Brackmann and Aaron Patton rounded out the Cyclone scores, finishing 46th and 64th respectively.

Bermel said the 85-degree weather, lack of wind and manicured course made for perfect playing conditions and contributed to the low team totals.

He said “it really surprised” him that ISU’s final score was 25 strokes behind tourney champion Miami of Ohio. Miami’s score of 845 was an impressive 19 under par.

Bermel said he was not disappointed in his team’s play in this tournament or with the season so far.

“We’ve played pretty good golf all fall,” he said.

Bermel said the prime playing conditions served as a disadvantage to his team’s chances in this contest. He said his team tends to excel in poorer conditions because the Cyclones usually make more pars and fewer birdies than other teams do in bad weather.

Even in perfect conditions not-so-perfect for ISU, Bermel said the team’s confidence and mental toughness help propel the team through bad conditions, while other teams tend to become frustrated and fold.

“We just grind along pretty steady,” he said.

His first season at the helm has been a learning experience for everyone.

“The kids are adjusting to me and I’m adjusting to them,” he said.

The Cyclones and Bermel finish their fall season Oct. 20-21 at the Red Raider Intercollegiate Tournament in Lubbock Tex. Last season the team captured the crown at the invitational.

Bermel said the team’s goals include defending the tourney title and finishing on a positive note to take into the spring season.