Iowa State men’s golf almost pulls a shocker on day 2 of Big 12 Match Play

Then-junior golfer Lachlan Barker lines up his putt April 3, 2021, at Coldwater Golf Links. 

Tom Turner

The Cyclones had a rough day 1 but they put that to rest during day 2. They defeated Baylor 3-2-1 in their first match and lost a close battle with No. 8 ranked Texas, 3-0-3.

Baylor, who is ranked inside the top 50, had their golfers playing behind most of the match. The Cyclone who lead the charge was Josh Hetherington, who had an excellent match.

Hetherington defeated Luke Morgan 5-4, after having an explosive start to the match winning six of the first seven holes. Luke Gutschewski was able to finish off Brandon Hoff after they were tied through 11 holes. Gutschewski secured the victory at 4-3. Nate Vance, who beat Zach Heffernan also won by a score of 4-3.

Matt Costello had a comeback in the works but it was cut short and he and Mark Reppe had to settle for a tie. Luke Dossey defeated Lachlan Barker 2-1 and Johnny Keefer also won, 1 up, against Frank Lindwall.

In the afternoon match against No. 8 Texas, the Cyclones were unable to win a match but settled for three ties.

Barker, Lindwall and Gutschewski all tied in their matches against Parker Coody, Will Thomson and Cole Hammer. Gutschewski went toe-to-toe with Hammer who is currently ranked 73rd nationally. Barker caused for dramatics in his match after trailing with only three holes left. Down three with just three holes to go, Barker won out and drew the tie.

Vance was defeated by Travis Vick 2-1 and Hetherington was unable to work his magic in his second match, losing to Pierceson Coody 4-3.

The Cyclones looked a lot better on day two than day one and have some momentum to carry into day three with. Their first match will be against TCU, who is ranked in the top 40 and their match after that is TBD.