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 concluded their season in the NCAA quarterfinals, losing to Georgia Tech with a score of 3-1. The match took place at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa's North Course in Carlsbad, California.
Illinois entered the championship as the No. 11 seed and secured the top seed in match play after a strong performance in stroke play. However, despite an early lead against Georgia Tech, they could not maintain their advantage.
The Illini's quarterfinal finish places them in a tie for fifth place nationally, marking the ninth time under head coach Mike Small that they have achieved a top-five finish since 2009. This achievement ties them with Oklahoma State for first nationally.
"For whatever reason we lost our way and started guiding it and started worrying about things," said head coach Mike Small. He noted that his players reverted to previous tendencies under pressure.
Freshman Max Herendeen was a standout performer for Illinois, securing the team's only point with a 5&4 victory over Carson Kim from Georgia Tech. Despite leading by five holes at one point, junior Jackson Buchanan's match went unfinished as Georgia Tech secured victories over Tyler Goecke, Piercen Hunt, and Ryan Voois to advance to the semifinals.
"I thought the golf course was great, it's a good test," added Small. "If you start steering and guiding it that's what can happen to you."
Georgia Tech will move forward to compete in the semifinals following their win over Illinois.
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