Chambana Sun

The Fighting Illini men's golf team faced challenging conditions during the second round of the Southern Highlands Collegiate in Las Vegas, Nevada. The team ended the day tied for sixth place with one round remaining. Head coach Mike Small noted the difficulties posed by strong winds, saying, "Conditions were extremely tough today, especially later in the day. The wind was way up, and we didn't handle it as well as we needed to with some unforced errors around the greens."

After an impressive start on Sunday with a score of 280 (-8), Illinois posted a 302 (+14) on Monday. Junior Jackson Buchanan led the team with a score of 73 (+1), improving from his first-round performance despite adverse weather conditions.

Fifth-year senior Tyler Goecke had initially been tied for second after shooting a 67 (-5) but slipped to 11th place following a second-round score of 76 (+4). Freshman Max Herendeen matched Goecke's score and is currently tied for 22nd at 145 (+1). Sophomore Ryan Voois is one shot behind Herendeen in a tie for 26th after scoring a 77 (+5). Senior Piercen Hunt stands in a tie for 76th place entering the final round.

The Illini are ranked No.16 according to the latest GCAA Coaches poll and No.20 in NCAA Division I rankings. They are among thirteen teams out of fifteen participating that rank within the top fifty NCAA metrics.

Oklahoma leads after two rounds with a total score of 575 (-1), while Illinois shares its position with Auburn at 582 (+6). North Carolina holds second place at 578 (+2), followed closely by Florida and Texas tied at third with scores of 579 (+3).

Round three begins Tuesday morning, with Illinois teeing off alongside Florida and San Diego State from Hole No.1 starting at approximately noon Central Time.