RCW: Sport Spotlight 4.3 (Men's Golf)
Andy Spencer birdied two of his last three holes to finish with a career-best 65. After a 7-under day he is tied for the lead. ?????? #KUgolf
— Kansas Men’s Golf (@KUMensGolf) September 11, 2017
A post shared by Kansas Men’s Golf (@kumensgolf) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:53pm PDT
A second-place team finish wasn’t the only headline for the Kansas men’s golf team at the Badger Invitational in Madison, Wisconsin, as sophomore Andy Spencer put together the best three rounds of his collegiate career, highlighted by the 10th-best round in Kansas golf history.
On the first day, Spencer’s round was consistent, as he only surrendered one bogey on both the front and back nine. His 1-under 71 was tied for the best on the team and good for a share of 10th overall as the Jayhawks ended the day in fourth place among the 16-team field.
Spencer exploded out of the gate on day two of the event, birdieing three of his first four holes. His initial momentum caught fire as Spencer continued his stellar play throughout the round, as he was able to pick up five more birdies, three of which came in his final five holes.
By the end of the day, Spencer had climbed up into second place for the event.
“It was solid,” Spencer said about Monday’s round. “I struck the ball really well and the putter was hot. My favorite shot was my birdie putt on No. 10, which was my first hole of the day. I made about a 35-footer to start the day which got me going.”
His 7-under 65 marked the lowest round of his career by four strokes, and etched his name into the top-10 for lowest 18-hole total in Kansas golf history.
“Andy’s round was really special,” said head coach Jamie Bermel of Spencer’s second round performance. “He had total control of the ball and played well the entire day.”
Spencer’s spot among the event leaders seemed in jeopardy on the final day after he picked up two bogeys early. The sophomore was not fazed by the minor setback and finished the front nine at even-par, before turning on the burners on the back nine, where he birdied four of his final six holes. He ended the day with a 2-under 70, cementing his spot in second place on the leaderboard.
“He played like a veteran,” added Bermel.
Spencer was one of three Jayhawks in the top-15 of the event, as senior Daniel Sutton finished tied for eighth and junior Charlie Hillier tied for 15th. Kansas will return to action September 22 for the Maui Jim Intercollegiate in Carefree, Arizona.
