Jeff Clark went on to finish sixth in the nation after advancing as an alternate from the regional tournament. Imagine what he might do this year.

Clark, a Riverland Community College sophomore, started this morning in the opening round of the National Junior College Division III Tournament at Chatauqua, N.Y., in his second straight trip to the season-ending event.

"Now I know I could go there and play with everybody," Clark said. "I'll just try and go back there and get a top-five finish, but I'd really like to win it."

Clark and freshman teammate Joe Hewitt both qualified with top-10 finishes at the Region XIII tournament back in October, marking the second consecutive year that two Riverland golfers advanced to nationals. Albert Lea graduate Justin Bennett was a two-time qualifier, helping Clark quickly adapt to the national stage. Bennett finished 24th and 19th in consecutive trips to nationals.

Now the mentor, Clark gave Hewitt some of the same advice before today's opening round.

"I just told him to go out and play his game," Clark said. "He can definitely come in and shoot four rounds in the high 70s."

Clark, an Austin High School graduate, placed second at regions with a two-day total of 6-over-par 150 at the Mankato Country Club. Hewitt finished ninth with a 164, and both began their national tour this morning at the Chautauqua Golf Course. Clark teed off at 9:32 a.m. on the back nine, while Hewitt started off the front at 9:40 a.m.

Both tee off at approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday for the second round. The national tournament runs through Friday for those who make the cut.

With one week's visit already in his golf bag, Clark was looking forward to getting another shot at the national course at Chautauqua.

"Last year I wasn't quite sure how the competition was going to be, but I guess now I know that I can compete with all the players," Clark said. "Plus I'm going to know the course a lot better, like where I can be aggressive.

"It was really important last year to hit the fairway, and just getting used to the greens again will take some time. Those were the toughest greens I've ever played on."

Clark wielded a hot putter at last year's national tournament, earning All-American honors along the way. Rain softened the greens that Clark expects to be in better, and firmer, conditions starting today.

"If I don't lose my cool I can do pretty well," he said. "I tried to get a lot of practice in. If I stay focused I should do alright."