Illinois State University senior Stuart Anderson has qualified for the NCAA Central Regional Golf Championships this week at Victoria Country Club in Victoria, Texas.
Even though his team fell one spot short of qualifying, Anderson, a native of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, earned one of two individual slots allotted to District 5 as the No. 1-ranked individual not compete for one of the seven qualifying teams. A total of 27 teams plus six individuals from three districts will compete Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Victoria for 10 team spots and two individuals to advance to the NCAA Championships May 31-June 3 at Opelika, Ala.
Harland Kilborn, Illinois States head coach, thinks Anderson, a strapping 6-foot-4 with power off the tee, has a chance to shine in Texas.
From what Ive heard, the Victoria course is a lot like Bloomington Country Club--tricky and tight, said Kilborn. The winds in Texas mean you have to keep the ball low. Stu has a lot of length in his game, and, with a good short game, he can play with a lot of people. His natural long game is very good.
Playing as an individual has its advantages for Anderson. Hell have the undivided attention of his coach.
Harland and I have been working the last couple of weeks preparing for this, said Anderson. He will help keep me composed and in my game plan.
Ill be there one-on-one for him, where normally Id have to be there for five players, said Kilborn. Although hell carry his own bag, Ill be like a caddy going shot-for-shot and helping him play the course strategically.
Although disappointed his team fell just short of qualifying for a bid to the regional, Kilborn likes college golfs new format.
It gives teams a chance to qualify as conference champions (Wichita State represents the Missouri Valley) and as at-large teams, said Kilborn. This is an outstanding opportunity for Stu.
Andersons only disappointment is that his teammates wont be there competing with him.
It would be more relaxing and more fun for all of us, said Anderson. We were in a good position to make it (the regional field) all year until we slipped in the last three weeks.
