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43 A djusting to a new culture and the collegiate game is not easy, but eight tournaments into his University of Iowa career, freshman Gonzalo Leal Montero is making his presence felt on the men's golf team. e Seville, Spain native, came to Iowa ready to play, but he first had to get through the challenge of learning a new style of schooling while golf stayed familiar to him. "e biggest challenge is the school. It is very different from Spain" said Leal Montero. "ere was not a big change in golf because I am used to playing in team tournaments." He has relied on coaches and teammates to help him through his first season at Iowa. "My coaches have helped me a lot because I was a little lost at first, especially with finding buildings," added Leal Montero. "at is the main thing that has helped me; my teammates have also been helpful." Leal Montero, leading the team with a scoring average of 70.47, has been impressive with his play throughout the season. Iowa head coach Tyler Stith is more impressed with the way he carries himself and approaches the game. "His maturity level is the most impressive thing about him," said Stith. "He is 18-years-old, but handles himself like an adult." e freshman golfer has continued to grow during the year. He earned his best individual finish for the Hawkeyes at the Puerto Rico Classic, tying for 15th, with a 54-hole score of 214 (-2). "I am improving in all parts of my game," Leal Montero said. "I have matured mentally since I got here in August." "He continues to improve in every tournament," Stith added. "He has a growth mindset where he wants to be better at everything he does. He sees adversity as an opportunity to grow and I think that is why he is as successful as he is." His maturity, growth, and play have earned him a spot in the Hawkeye lineup in all seven competitions this season. "I think it is awesome to play in every tournament freshman year," Leal Montero added. "I think that it is good to think I am doing normal things and if I do well, I get to play." Aer competing in every tournament (19 rounds) for Iowa this year, Leal Montero is second on the team with an 18-hole score of 67 (-4), three top-20 finishes, and seven rounds at or below par. e Hawkeyes close the regular season hosting the Hawkeye Invitational on April 20-21, at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City, Iowa. APRIL SCHEDULE April 20-21 Hawkeye Invitational April 26-28 at Big Ten Championships (Philadelphia)