Trip To the Bayou and the Louisiana Classics Up Next For ISU

NORMAL, Ill. – A strong finish on last weekend's final day of competition has the Illinois State men's golf team poised to start strong in its upcoming challenge at the 31st Annual Louisiana Classics, hosted by Louisiana-Lafayette, Feb. 29 through March 1, at Oakbourne Country Club.

Following a Sunday practice round, action will begin Monday, Feb. 29, with an 8 a.m. shotgun start at the respected Par 72 championship course that stretches 7,098 yards. A second round will begin at approximately 1 p.m. Monday and final-round action will tee off Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start as well.  

Joining the Redbirds in the competitive field is No. 1 ranked Illinois, who the Redbirds battled at the Tinervin Cup several weeks ago. Also competing are No. 49 Kansas, Kent State, the host Ragin' Cajuns, Middle Tennessee, Southeastern Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, Texas State, UTSA, UT Arlington and No. 39 Texas A&M.

"From a preparation standpoint, we have a great opportunity to get back on grass in the south and compete against another very strong field," ISU head coach Ray Kralis said.  "I am pleased with the number of positives I have seen from the two outings following the winter break, and it was encouraging to put such a strong team effort together in the final round at South Alabama.  We expect to build on that momentum this week and continue taking steps forward as a group."

The Redbirds were led by sophomore Zach Burry at the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate last week.  The Quincy, Illinois, native was named the Missouri Valley Conference Men's Golfer of the Week by the league office, after he shot a pair of sub-par rounds in Mobile.

After carding a 3-under-par 69 in the second round on Monday, Burry shot a final-round 67 Tuesday at the Magnolia Grove Crossings Course. The 5-under-par 67 by Burry was the lowest individual score of the day and helped the Redbirds to a final-round total of 285, tied for the fifth lowest tally of the day amongst a talented field. Burry's strong final round tied him for eighth overall individually along with Wake Forest's Will Zalatoris, who is ranked No. 6 individually in the nation. 

For the third-straight year, a free live video feed covering hole No. 9 at the tournament will be available to watch beginning at 9 a.m. CT both days, with Dan McDonald and Gerald Broussard calling the action. Live stats will also be updated every three holes throughout each day of competition at www.golfstat.com.  

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