The University of Illinois Fighting Illini men’s golf team led the field after the first day of the Duck Invitational in Eugene, Oregon, on Mar. 23, with junior Max Herendeen holding first place individually heading into the final round.
Herendeen, competing as an individual and originally from Bellevue, Washington, posted rounds of 67 and 69 to secure a one-shot lead over Oregon’s Aiden Krafft. This performance marks Herendeen’s first consecutive rounds in the 60s since his runner-up finish at Fallen Oak Collegiate last October. He is positioned to pursue his fourth collegiate victory in Tuesday’s final round.
Other Illini golfers also performed strongly. Sophomore Freddie Turnell shot a combined three-under-par across two rounds to tie for fourth place, while senior Ryan Voois was tied for eighth at one-under-par. Sophomore Trey Marrion finished even-par through two rounds and is tied for eleventh. Junior Ethan Wilson stands tied for twenty-third after recovering from an opening round of 76 with a second-round score of 69.
As a team, Illinois posted a total score of one-under-par (567), maintaining a six-stroke advantage over Oregon State and seven shots ahead of Michigan State going into Round Three. Host Oregon is part of a three-way tie for fourth with Boise State and San José State at nine-over-par.
The University of Illinois Fighting Illini Men’s Golf program participates in both fall and spring tournaments including conference and national events according to its official website. The program emphasizes athletic heritage while promoting values such as team spirit and individual excellence according to its official website. Competing under NCAA Division I guidelines within the Big Ten Conference according to its official website, it offers student-athletes opportunities for competition, growth, and academic achievement according to its official website. The team is led by head coach Mike Small according to its official website.
Round Three will begin Tuesday morning with a shotgun start scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Central Time (8:30 a.m Pacific Time). Live scoring will be available on Clippd Scoreboard.
