With one day in the books, the Purdue men’s golf team finds itself in third place through the initial 18 holes of the NCAA West Lafayette Regional.
Purdue men’s golf posted a four under par round of 284, placing the Boilermakers seven shots behind second ranked and leader Vanderbilt and a shot behind 11th ranked Arizona. In the mix are 15th ranked Florida and 23rd ranked New Mexico. The Gators are in fourth, one shot over par. The Lobos are fifth at two over par. The top five finishing teams will advance to the NCAA National Championships in California next week.
Purdue men’s golf coach Rob Bradley was pleased with how the Boilermakers shot considering the windy conditions on the course.
“I think we played pretty solid today and having everyone under or even par was a really good start for us. Across the board, the guys played well and if you can get five players at even-par or better on this course, you are going to be right there,” said Bradley. “This course is all about making good decisions and having control and the guys stayed in front of that. It’s important to stay with the same game plan and just keep doing what we are doing.”
The opening round marked the first time in Purdue’s NCAA Regional or Championship history, it posted five rounds of even par or better. All-American Herman Sekne fired a 71, posting his 56th round of even par or better.
“Overall, pretty happy with my round. Felt like I left a few out there,” Senke said.
Junior Nels Surtani took advantage of a strong outing on the final nine holes to post a 71. Senior Peyton Snoeberger recorded four birdies to find himself at three under before settling for a one under par 71. Junior Kent Hsiao also started off at three under before carding a 71 in the opening round.
Senke said everyone playing the way they did on Purdue’s home course was big.
“That’s never bad, right. Playing like this and shooting even or better is pretty good,” he said.
For the first time in Purdue’s NCAA Regionals or Championships history, the Boilermakers had all five rounds of even-par or better. Purdue is the only team in the field with five rounds of even-par or better.
“The goal is to play as good as we can and make it out,” Surtani said.
Purdue men’s golf will tee off at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday with Vanderbilt and Arizona.
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