Completed Event: Men's Golf versus Git R Done Invitational on September 22, 2025 , , 3rd/12
Final
Men's Golf
Git R Done Invitational
3rd/12
Iowa State University Athletics
Photo by: Tim Cowie - Tim Cowie Photograph
2021-22 Cyclone Men's Golf Season Preview
09.10.2021 | Men's Golf
AMES, Iowa – After an unusual 2020-21 season, head coach Andrew Tank's Cyclones look to bounce back and find success this season. Although the Cyclones lose out on one of Iowa State's most decorated golfers, Tripp Kinney, new faces started to fill up the roster quickly.
Tank added assistant coach, Ruben Sondjaja to the squad this offseason. Sondjaja played for Tank and the Cyclones from 2013-17 and finished his career as one of Iowa State's best golfers. He brings playing and coaching experience after helping the Iowa State women's team last season.
"He had a great career here at Iowa State," Tank said. "Ruben was a successful player, and he wants to be a head coach someday. Ruben's strengths are connecting with the players, and he has worked on developing relationships with the guys. He has been in their shoes as a student-athlete and the guys are listening to him."
The Cyclones brought in a senior transfer, Josh Hetherington, who previously played in the Big South at Campbell University. A battle-tested player like Hetherington brings a wealth of the experience to the Cyclone roster.
"It has been great having a guy like Josh. He brings a different perspective, and I am happy with how he has jumped in," said Tank. "As a new guy it's nice to see him speaking up in meetings and helping the young guys. He has already delivered great things to the team."
Luke Gutschewski and Hunter Johnson are the two freshmen that Coach Tank brought in this offseason. Gutschewski and Johnson have talented skill sets that will allow them to succeed in a program filled with positivity and growth like Iowa State.
"Hunter's work ethic has really impressed me. He has been at it all day and every day. He has put in the effort to be a great golfer and it feels like he is playing with a chip on his shoulder," Sondjaja said. "Luke has great composure and plays just like his father, Scott Gutschewski, who is good at thinking his way around the golf course."
Lachlan Barker is part of the trio of seniors who return this season. Barker qualified for the NCAA Regional alongside Kinney last season and has continued to play well through the offseason. The standard Barker holds himself to will push him to improve throughout the season.
"Lachlan has had a gradual improvement through his time here. During Covid he really took a step back and looked at what he can do better," Tank said. "He has dedicated himself to get better and practice better with more detail. To continue his strong play, he will need to stay disciplined and work on the little things in his game."
Another senior, Frank Lindwall, had an impressive offseason and qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship at Oakmont.
"Frank has elevated his game over the summer," Tank said. "He was disappointed in his season last year. He put a plan together on what to work on. He started to play really well the second half of the summer."
Ricky Costello, like Lindwall, took a step back to look at things he wanted to improve on in the offseason. Patience on the golf course was something the senior has focused on leading up to the 2021-22 season.
"Ricky didn't quite have the season he wanted last year but knows what to do to get better and play his best," Tank said. "Getting into a good rhythm this season and implementing the things that he knows are important is the first step."
Nate Vance, a junior from Marshalltown, Iowa, has shown an increase in confidence from last season. With Vance's skill set, the sky is the limit this year.
"Nate has had a lot of success this summer with his amateur events. He brings many leadership qualities to the table and has so much energy. Nate's strong competitiveness is what I have really noticed," Sondjaja said. "From what I have seen he feels very comfortable around the guys and at practice. His confidence just continues to grow"
Iowa State's three sophomores have all shown tremendous signs of growth coming off their rookie campaigns. Jake Slocum and Lukas Pany had strong rounds during qualifying and have made the top-five for the season opener in Minnesota. Brock Barnhart played in many tournaments this summer and has a lot of competitive golf under his belt.
"Jake has really worked on his mental game," Sondjaja said. "He is a different person on the course, his attitude has changed, and he has put in the time to work on his confidence and improve his level of play. Jake had great junior golf results from Idaho and worked hard this offseason. I am pumped he is in the lineup,"
Pany improved his game in Europe this offseason and was able to focus on his game with limited distractions. The confidence of Slocum and Pany is overflowing, and the hope is that it spreads to the rest of the team.
"Lukas was in Europe this summer and even played the European Amateur Championship," added Sondjaja. "He had more exposure to those colorful tournaments and that alone has helped Lukas improve as a player. We are proud of Lukas."
Barnhart's summer consisted of many top-ten in amateur tournaments and carded under-par rounds in each event. The growth that he has seen on and off the course has translated into his game.
"With the strange season last year Brock is basically a freshman, which is great for our team," said Sondjaja. "He is willing to put in the work and played well in tournaments this summer. Brock has so much potential, and I feel his best golf is still ahead of him."
The Cyclones open the season at the Gopher Invitational in Independence, Minnesota on Sept. 12-13.
Players Mentioned
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