The Illinois men’s golf team won the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate Sunday in Columbus, Ohio, holding off Penn State and tournament host Ohio State in the final round.

“In team golf, wins are achieved in different ways, and this was an example of that,” said head coach Mike Small. “We’re continuing to learn and grow, and we’re excited now for the third phase of our season: the championship season.”

Sophomore Jerry Ji and senior Michael Feagles led the Illini this weekend. The two tied for fourth with scores of 213 (E). Kent State’s Cade Breitenstine won the individual title with a score of 210 (-3).

In total, the Illini finished with three golfers in the top 10, as senior Giovanni Tadiotto finished ninth. This is Tadiotto’s third top-10 finish this season.

Juniors Adrien Dumont de Chassart and Tommy Kuhl finished tied for 22nd and 48th, respectively.

Freshman Piercen Hunt led the golfers competing as individuals with a score of 220, good enough to tie for 25th.

The Illini struggled in round three. As a team, they recorded 23 bogeys in the final round, allowing Penn State to cut their nine stroke lead in half. Feagles birdied both of the final two holes, securing the win for the Illini. 

“Everybody had some stretches that they didn’t like, but the resiliency that we had and the way we competed was very positive to see today,” Small said. “I believe that athletes and teams create habits in everything that you do, and we need to get back to the closing mindset, and hitting our standard and playing our game.”

@JonesChristianT

[email protected]