WASECA &045; It was a gorgeous day for golf, and the Albert Lea High School boys’ golf team responded with a beautiful round.

The Tigers, among the favorites to win the Big Nine and Section 1AA this spring, opened the season with an impressive 147-162 victory in a nonconference nine-hole meet at Waseca Friday.

“It was a good day for us,” said first-year Albert Lea head coach Matt Addington. “Basically, we had a week off because we weren’t able to get out on the course or even outside to hit balls. I really didn’t know what to expect. I thought if we shot 150, it would be great.”

Ross Stadheim led the Tigers and was the medalist with a 34. Dan Breuer shot a 35, Josh Jones 36 and Ben Jones 42 to complete Albert Lea’s scoring. The other varsity players were Matt Bennett, 44, and Beau Larson, 45.

“For those guys to go out there and shoot under par is fantastic,” said Addington.

Two returning letterwinners did not play. Adam Elseth was gone for personal reasons. Jon Breuer missed a practice last week and didn’t make the varsity cut for the opener. Both are expected in the lineup Monday when the Tigers host Rochester Mayo in their home opener at Green Lea. The 18-hole varsity and junior varsity meet is set to tee off at 3:30.