Men’s golf in top-5 position ahead of final round
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PALM DESERT, Calif. – A brigade of 11 birdies on the back nine helped the Kansas men’s golf team sneak itself into a share of fourth place heading into Sunday’s final round of the Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate.
Despite a challenging Classic Club course, the Jayhawks managed to shoot 1-under on the day, becoming one of only four teams to do so in the second round. This impressive mark resulted in a three-spot jump from where the team was at the end of Friday’s first-round action.
“I thought everyone was a little sharper today than yesterday,” said head coach Jamie Bermel. “They’re starting to get a little more comfortable playing competitive golf again.”
Leading the charge was senior Daniel Sutton, whose 3-under 69 came by way of six birdies, four of which came in the senior’s final six holes. Sutton’s late success resulted in a 16-spot jump on the individual leaderboard, where he is now tied for 17th. The 3-under 69 was Sutton’s fifth round in the 60’s on the season, tying him with sophomore Andy Spencer for the most on the team. Should Sutton hold on to a top-20 spot on the leaderboard, it will be his third top-20 finish on the year.
“Sutton really finished well today,” said Bermel. “He was in total control of his golf ball and really played like a senior.”
Behind Sutton was junior Charlie Hillier, who surpassed 39 players on the individual leaderboard thanks in part to his 1-under 71. Hillier birdied three holes on the back, and currently sits at 3-over on the event, tied for 45th. His under-par round brought him to 12 rounds of even or under-par on the season, which is the most of any Jayhawk golfer.
Following Charlie Hillier on the scorecard was his brother, freshman Harry Hillier. In only the second round of his college golf career, Harry Hillier shot a 1-over 73 on the day. Harry Hillier’s round was highlighted by his first career eagle, which he holed out in three on a 560-yard par five.
Two Jayhawks ended the day with a 2-over 74. Spencer’s 74 came by way of consistency, as the sophomore started his round with 13 consecutive pars. His 24 pars on the event are just four-shy of the most in the tournament.
Senior Daniel Hudson’s birdied three of his final five holes en route to his 2-over 74. Hudson, along with Spencer, have a share of 45th place before the final round.
Junior Jake Scarrow, making an individual appearance, was bested by the challenging course on the day and finished the round with a 6-over, despite being one of five Jayhawks two record multiple bogeys on the back nine.
Heading into Sunday’s final round, the Jayhawks are tied with No. 21 UCLA for fourth place, with two teams just a single stroke behind them. With such a tight-packed field, Bermel knows his team has to be locked in on Sunday.
“We need to keep playing solid golf,” said Bermel. “I think there will be more wind on Sunday so the course is definitely going to play more difficult, but we have to remain focused.”
Hudson will be the first Jayhawk to tee off tomorrow at 10:40 a.m. CT. Live stats will be available at golfstat.com.
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