Kansas just two spots out of first after two

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Despite a slow start to the 36-hole day, Kansas men’s golf finds itself in third place going into the final day of the Wyoming Cowboy Classic, led by back-to-back under par rounds by senior Chase Hanna and a team-best score from junior Daniel Hudson.

Hudson made the most of his day at Whirlwind Golf Club, collecting a team-best 11 birdies in the first two rounds, putting himself in a tie for fifth place. It seemed that Hudson may run into struggles when he recorded a double bogey on his second hole, but was able to keep his composure and follow it with a birdie. Two bogeys, followed by an additional three birdies, resulted in an even-par, 72. Hudson turned it on in his second round, recording birdies on three of his first five holes. Slowing his momentum, Hudson recorded another double bogey on the day, finishing his second round with a 68.

As the only Jayhawk with two consecutive rounds under-par, Hanna finished the day in a tie for seventh at three under par. Playing his front nine blemish free, including one birdie, Hanna countered his two bogeys with two birdies on the back to finish the first round one under par. Starting off the second round hot, Hanna birdied the first hole but ended up making the turn at even par. Despite an early bogey on the back nine, Hanna birdied three holes in a row to finish his second round with a 70.

Playing with his characteristic consistency, junior Daniel Sutton recorded both of his rounds at even par or better. Playing a rather uneventful first round, Sutton recorded just one bogey and one birdie to finish at even par. Finding himself in trouble with a double bogey followed by a bogey on the third and fourth holes, Sutton answered with three birdies for the remainder of the round to enter the clubhouse with a one-under-par, 71. Sutton will find himself tied for 15^th at one under par to begin the final round.

“Chase had a solid day and Dan Hudson played really well in the second round,” head coach Jamie Bermel said. “Daniel Sutton was very steady all day as well.”

Sophomore Charlie Hillier and freshman Andy Spencer both finished the day in a tie for 67^th at 6-over par. Hillier posted a 74 in his first round, but was unable to find a birdie in his second to end up with a 76. Spencer was able to collect seven birdies on the day, but three double bogeys in his second round resulted in a 77, following a first round 73.

Sophomore Jake Scarrow continued to gain tournament experience, playing as an individual in the event. Scarrow was able to play his first two rounds at 3-over par to finish the day in a tie for 42^nd.

Kansas finds itself in third place going into the final day, six strokes back from the leader, Long Beach State, and just two strokes from UC Santa Barbara. The Jayhawks lead in-state foe, Wichita State, which is in fourth place at even par.

“We need to get a fourth score on Tuesday to have a chance to win,” Bermel said. “We are six back, but I think if we can get off to a hot start, we may be able to put some pressure on the teams in front of us.”

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