ROCK ISLAND, Illinois - The Prairie Fire men's golf team began their season in the first round of the Augustana Highland Classic at Highland Springs Golf Course.

Knox is currently in second place in the 11 team field with a first round score of 296. They are just four strokes off of the lead.

Brendan Wise paced the Prairie Fire with an opening round 70, just one stroke out of first place. Jack Wilkie (73) is tied for fifth after one round.

Jake Schabes (75), Pranav Nandakumar (76), Eddie Brees (77), Gabe Newman (77), and Hunter Webb (77) are also in the top-20 overall.

Webb shot an albatross on hole 11, an occurrence rarer than a hole-in-one.

"We played a very good round today to open the season," said head coach KC Harding. "We are without two of our top scorers and are still competing for the top spot in a solid field. I think this level of depth is what we have been looking for to take us to the next level. We had two first-years in the starting five and both are in the top-20 overall. I am excited to see how we respond tomorrow."

The Prairie Fire will compete in the second and final round of the Highland Classic on September 3.