LAKE CITY, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Crookston men's golf team had a strong debut on the first day of the 2019-20 season. The Golden Eagles are currently in 10^th place in a 15 team field at the J.R. Watkins Invite at the Jewel in Lake City, Minn. Connor Humble (Jr., Rosemount, Minn.) led the way for Minnesota Crookston with an even-par 72 to sit tied for eighth in a strong field.

Minnesota Crookston carded a 311 as a team. The Golden Eagles are just two strokes behind Minnesota State University and Bemidji State University, who both shot a 309 as a team to sit in a tie for ninth. Minnesota Crookston is three strokes from seventh place, and four strokes from sixth place.

In addition to Humble, Ben Trostad (So., Crookston, Minn.) shot a 75 and is tied for 23^rd. Keegan Poppenburg (Fr., Esko, Minn.) had a strong debut in his first collegiate meet. Poppenburg shot a 79. Brian Bekkala (Jr., Livonia, Mich.) put up an 85 in the opening round.

Winona State University leads the field with a team score of 278. The Warriors are nine strokes ahead of Washburn University in second place. Winona State's Brady Madsen leads the field with a 66. He is two strokes ahead of his teammate Dylan Brown.

The Golden Eagles will conclude play at the J.R. Watkins Invite Sat., Sept. 7.