Against some of the top teams in the state, the Albert Lea boys’ golf team held its ground Wednesday at Green Lea Golf Course.

Through the first half of the fifth-annual Albert Lea High School Invitational, the Tigers are tied for fourth place in a field of 16 teams.

More than half of the participating teams are ranked in the Minnesota State Golf Association’s top 50 all-class rankings, and five are listed in the Minnesota State Golf Coaches Association’s top 10 class-specific polls.

“I’m both pleased with my team and how the tournament has gone as a whole,” said Albert Lea coach Riley Worth.

The Tigers completed the course in 309 strokes, just one stroke behind their best mark of the season at Chaska Town Course. They are tied with Andover, the No. 5-ranked team in Class AAA. In sixth place is Lakeville North, the No. 4-ranked team in the state, and the No. 2-ranked team in Class AAA. The Panthers trail Albert Lea by one stroke.

“It’s an awesome feeling to know that you can hang with some of the best teams in the state,” said Albert Lea senior captain Lucas Peterson.

Leading a the field are a trio of teams ranked in the Minnesota State Golf Association’s top 10 — Wayzata, Eden Prairie and Lakeville South. Each team completed the course in fewer than 300 strokes.

Lucas Peterson and Alex Syverson led the Tigers with scores of 76.

“There’s a reason why those two are scoring. They’ve got golf motors that never turn off,” Worth said. “They’re very self-motivated.”

Adam Syverson shot a 78 to take Albert Lea’s third scoring position, and Brent Nafzger and Brady Loch tied for the last spot with scores of 79.

Worth said Adam’s play has been improving in recent meets, that Nafzger is a “short-game wizard” when referring to his chipping ability and that Loch has come back strong after sitting out last season.

“Any time we have four guys score in the 70s, I’m smiling,” Worth said.

Read about the second half of the tournament in Monday’s Tribune. The Tigers finished the event with 18 holes Saturday at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

Worth said he’s lucky to live in a community with a pair of golf courses that welcome the Tigers.

“We have two amazing courses that support their high school teams,” he said. “When I asked them about this tournament, they said they’d love to take it. They’re willing to give up their course on good weather days. It’s just a great golf community.”

Statistics are in the Scoreboard: May 16 post.