Western Illinois men’s golf sits in first place after the opening round of the Benbow Invitational at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club on Monday (March 9). The Leathernecks shot a combined first round score of 297, 11 strokes ahead of Butler in second.
“We played well today despite leaving some shots out there,” Director of Golf Lia Biehl Lukkarinen said. “The greens were very firm, so we will adjust for that to give ourselves additional birdie chances.”
Kyle Irlbacker managed a 68 (-3) to start and pace the field. The sophomore duo of Parker Govern and Cameron Karney finished beside each other with a 74 (+3) and 75 (+4) respectively. Govern is currently tied for third place and Karney is fifth.
Fresh off a stellar performance in Alabama, Wyatt Spier shot an 80 (+9) and Dylan Cervantes (87) rounded out the lineup. Joe Burke wrapped up day one at 82 (+11) and Kolby Chup made his spring debut with a 78 (+7) as both competed as individuals.
The Leathernecks return to the course for one more 18-hole round beginning at 9 a.m. (ET).
The WIU women’s golf was consistent from the top of the lineup to the bottom after day one of the Benbow Invitational at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club on Monday (March 9). The Leathernecks currently reside near the upper-middle part of the pack in fifth place (321).
“We didn’t take advantage of the shorter holes,” Director of Golf Lia Biehl Lukkarinen said. “We will focus on hitting the front of the greens. Nicole manager her game well today.”
Nicole Hamilton Cross and Natalie Hooper both fired a 79 (+8) in the first round to lead the way for Western. Cassidy Jurkaites shot an 81 (+10) with Katie Tanner (82) and Abbie Gault (83) was right behind her.
As individuals, Emily Marrs delivered an 83 (+12) and Katy Schmitt wrapped up the opening round at 95.
The Leathernecks return to the course for one more 18-hole round beginning at 9 a.m. (ET) on Tuesday (March 10).
***Report Courtesy of Western Illinois University***
