THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN IS COMING JUNE 29-JULY 2. At Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin, tickets available at USGA.org. Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly will both be playing. Defending championship Padraig Harrington will defend his title.
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NCAA Division 1 Championships at Grayhawk Golf Club.
IT LOOKED GREAT…
But then it wasn’t. The University of Illinois men’s golf team had the lead in it’s quarterfinals match with Florida State.
They needed one more win to advance to the final four. But came up short, and went home a day earlier than planned.
Final Score Florida State 3 Illinois 2.
Illinois was the #3 seed for the match play and Florida State came in at #6. So with the loss Illinois wrapped up a T-5 finish, for the programs 8th time. That accomplishment ranks second nationally.
“The season these guys had should be talked about,” said Coach Mike Small. “So it should be remembered because of the wins and getting here to the match play portion of the championship.”
The tougher loss for Illinois will be two fifth year seniors Adrien Dumont de Chassart and Tommy Kuhl, who now turn towards the ranks of professional golf.
“They guys cared, they wanted it and wanted to do something different, but its just so hard. But they pushed themselves to be great, and that’s what I appreciate,” said Small.
Kuhl posted the first point and put Illinois up 1-0. But after Matthis Besard lost his match on the 18th hole to tie the score at 1-1. Dumont de Chassart won his match 3 & 2 and Illinois was back ahead 2-1. But Piercen Hunt lost his match 3 & 2, that and loss by Jackson Buchanan on the 18th green 1 DN, sealed the win for FSU.
But Kuhl called the day a total team effort, with no blame directed toward his teammates who lost their matches. Dumont de Chassart said,” everyone is disappointed. Because we all care about each other so much. But we all played as hard as we could, but Florida State just played better today. Which is a tough reality.”