Senior Brian Anderson aced a 214-yard, par 3 in the first round of the Stevinson Ranch Invitational, the second hole-in-one in the tournaments 6 year history. Andersons (69-70=139) effort places him in a tie for fourth as Illinois State mens golf team ties for 12th in day one of the tournament.
It was probably the toughest par three we played all day, head coach Harland Kilborn said. It helped his play the entire day, although as a team we had a disappointing start.
Although the Birds struggled in the first round, each player lowered or maintained in the second. Kyle Vasel (74-73-147) is tied for 32nd, Matt Maskel (82-71=153) sits in 61st, and Denny Bull (77-77=154) is tied for 62. Kris Wildenradt(82-78=160) rounds out the team tied for 71st.
It seems like we have to be behind before we make our move, Kilborn said. But we cant do that with this caliber field.
Currently Kansas (282-280=562) leads the tournament after firing 8-under par in the first round which beat the tournament record for single lowest team score. Kansas State (286-281=567) and Iowa State (284-283=567) sit tied for third.
Individually, Iowa States Tyler Swanson (68-67=135) and Drakes Wes Pantling (67-68=135) are tied for first as they both beat the tournament 36 hole record by three strokes.
Tomorrow Brain (Anderson) will have to battle individually as the team will battle to get back in, Kilborn said.
The Stevinson Ranch Invitational will conclude Tuesday with a 10 a.m. shotgun start.
