Liberty’s Arnold tops field at season-opening D.A. Weibring Invitational

August 11, 2022 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor

Liberty senior Blake Arnold follows his approach shot to the par-4 seventh hole during Thursday's D.A. Weibring Invitational at Westview Golf Course. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If Blake Arnold can replicate the back nine of his first event of the prep golf season, it could turn out to be a banner senior season.

The Liberty golfer posted a 2-under 33 on the back nine Thursday at Westview Golf Course, allowing him to card an even-par 71 and earn individual medalist honors in the D.A. Weibring Invitational hosted by Quincy Notre Dame.

QND’s Cole Willer made birdies on three of his first six holes, shot a 1-under 35 on the front nine and finished at 1-over 72 to take second place. The Raiders’ Colin Larson was third at 4-over 75, followed by Quincy High School’s Gabriel Gold with a 76 and QND’s Konnor Craven with a 77.

Other golfers in the field breaking 80 were QND’s Zane Douglas (77), QND freshman Beau Eftink (79) and Havana’s Jackson Porter (79). Illini West’s Nolan Deitrich and QND’s Hunter St. Clair both posted an 80.

The Raiders won the team championship with a 301 total. The Blue Devils were second at 327 with Andrew Keane posting an 81. Illini West was third with a 337.