Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1371865
45 A er losing fih-year senior and returning All-Big Ten honoree Benton Weinberg to injury in March, the nationally ranked Iowa men's golf team needed a boost. e Hawkeyes started the year strong, but would need to find another productive source from a group of unproven underclassmen to keep their hopes of competing for a conference title and a spot in the NCAA Championships alive. at was the opportunity sophomore Garrett Tighe needed. Tighe was given the sixth spot to compete individually at the Hawkeye Invitational on April 17-18, where he placed higher than two starters. "I have always been a hard worker, so I knew that I needed that opportunity," says Tighe. "ere was no pressure at our home event, so I knew I could just play and see what happened. I finished 19th and from there I knew I had the game to play." Tighe proved himself to head coach Tyler Stith as well and qualified for Iowa's regular season finale. Tighe finished third among Hawkeye golfers at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate on April 24-25, then turned heads at the Big Ten Championships on April 30-May 2 where he placed 10th at the challenging Crooked Stick Golf Club. "He's been filling the shoes of Benny [Weinberg] well," says fih-year senior Alex Schaake. "While we were on the road, he was playing Finkbine every day with the redshirts, and then when coach gave him a chance, he took it. He is playing probably some of the best golf he has ever played in his life. He is confident right now, which is what we need, because that gives us all confidence, too." For Tighe, the last month has been payoff for years of work, as well as invaluable experience for the future. "Growing up in Illinois, I was always a Big Ten fan," says Tighe. "at was my dream as a kid. is has been a great opportunity for me. ese events have given me a lot of experience and [help with] putting my name in the lineup the next three years." Schaake says Tighe brings intangibles to the clubhouse in addition to his contributions on the links. "He's one of the funniest guys," says Schaake. "He has so many sayings and inside jokes that we all have together. He brings a good vibe to everyone. When we're all feeling down, he is the one that perks everyone up. But he is also extremely competitive, and I like that about him." Tighe is focused on achieving the team's postseason goals. Aer finishing runner-up by one stroke at the Big Ten Championships, the squad has its mind set on qualifying for the NCAA Championships. "I want to play well at NCAA Regionals, qualify for the NCAA Championships, and then help our team finish high at nationals," Tighe says. Iowa tees off NCAA Regionals on May 17-19, at Tumble Creek GCC in Cle Elum, Washington.