Michael Rayman Golf Course Grounds Superintendent | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Michael Rayman Golf Course Grounds Superintendent | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Fighting Illini men's golf team delivered a strong performance in the second round of the NCAA Championship at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad, California. The team recorded a score of 1-under 287 on Saturday, placing them in second position on the leaderboard. They are three shots behind Virginia, the current leader after 36 holes.
"It was a solid round," said head coach Mike Small. "There's not a coach here that would be unhappy with that. It was just a solid day."
The Illini took advantage of favorable morning conditions despite starting on No. 10 and facing challenging parts of the course early. They managed to achieve a combined score of 3-over on the back nine before turning around and shooting 4-under on Holes 1-9.
"This is what you want," Small commented regarding his team's start through 36 holes. "You want to play from strength and set the tone for the week early, and not wait."
Freshman Max Herendeen led three Illini players who sit inside the top 25 individually. Herendeen followed an opening round of 73 with a score of 2-under 70 in Round 2, placing him tied for fourth at one under par.
"Max started off strong," Small remarked about Herendeen's performance. "As a young player, he ran into a little trouble mid-round...But he made birdie on No. 2 after a really strong recovery shot...Then he played strong from there."
Fifth-year senior Tyler Goecke and sophomore Ryan Voois are both tied for 22nd place with scores of +2 (146). Voois improved by posting an even-par round of 72 while Goecke maintained his standing with another round at +1 (73).
Junior Jackson Buchanan also contributed to Illinois' scoring by finishing with an even-par score of 72, moving up to tie for 54th place at +6 (150). Senior Piercen Hunt's performance did not count towards the team's total as he ended with +6 (78), leaving him tied for 67th.
With their current position within the top three teams, Illinois will have an early tee time off No.1 during Round Three alongside Virginia and Vanderbilt.
"Theoretically, they give better teams early times because it is easier," Small added about tee times; however acknowledged weather unpredictability saying: "Yesterday it rained on earlier wave."
Live scoring throughout tournament can be accessed via Golfstat.com
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