IU starts season slowly with spring break contests

The men's golf team started its spring season by finishing 12th in the El Diablo Intercollegiate and eighth in the Big Red Classic during spring break.\nThe Hoosiers shot a two-round score of 599 in the 24-team contest Saturday and Sunday on the par 72, 7,045-yard championship course at the El Diablo Golf and Country Club in Citrus Springs, Fla. The event was scheduled for 54 holes, but heavy rain canceled Sunday's final round.\nToledo won the event with a score of 579, finishing four shots ahead of runner-up Rhode Island. \nFreshman Mike Castleforte led IU with a two-round score of 148, tying him for 32nd in the individual standings. Senior Steve Wheatcroft finished in a tie for 48th with a score of 150.\nRice's Scott Phillips won the individual title with a 4-under score of 140. \nIU started the break, March 10-11, by shooting a three-round score of 897 in the Big Red Classic contested on the Lake Diamond Golf Club in Ocala, Fla.\nColorado State won the 17-team tournament with a 1-over score of 865. The Rams finished 12 strokes ahead of runner-up Miami of Ohio.\nWheatcroft led IU at the Big Red Classic with a score of 218. After shooting a 77 in his opening round, Wheatcroft closed the tournament with rounds of 69 and 72. Wheatcroft finished two-over-par, tying for fifth with three other players in the individual standings. \nWheatcroft finished two shots out of a playoff for the individual title, which was won by Penn State's Matt Abbott. Bogies on the final two holes prevented Wheatcroft from qualifying for the playoffs.