Chambana Sun

The Fighting Illini men's golf team, ranked 11th, participated in the Boilermaker Invitational at Ackerman-Allen Golf Course, finishing the first two rounds with a total score of 563 (-5), placing them seventh as they advance to the final round. The team's performance was highlighted by senior Jackson Buchanan, who scored a 5-under 137, just two strokes off the individual lead.

Buchanan began the day with challenges, scoring a bogey and a double-bogey, resulting in a 3-over start during Round 1. However, he rebounded with a bogey-free back nine, achieving an even-par 71. In Round 2, he made seven birdies, compensating for two bogeys, achieving a 66 (-5), tying his season-best and moving into the top 10.

Alongside Buchanan, sophomore Ryan Voois and freshman Trey Marrion tied for 31st place at even-par 142. Voois achieved consistent rounds of 71, while Marrion made an impressive college performance with a first-round score of 69 (-2), followed by a 73 (+1) in the second round.

Sophomore Max Herendeen is tied for 46th place after rebounding with an even-par 71 in the second round, while Ethan Wilson, tied for 52nd, contributed a significant even-par 71 in his initial round before scoring a 74 (+3) in Round 2.

Host Purdue leads the team standings at 19-under, followed by Marquette, Michigan, Michigan State, and Notre Dame. Indiana is ahead of Illinois at 10-under.

Freshman Jake Birdwell distinguished himself in the individual field at the Kampen Golf Course. He was the only player to finish under par, holding a four-stroke lead with a 3-under score after two rounds.

The final round will commence at 9 a.m. ET/8 a.m. CT with a shotgun start. Illinois will compete alongside Toledo and Ball State, starting on Holes 7-9. Golfstat provides live scoring.