LAREDO, Texas - Following a record-setting fall season, the unanimously-chosen MVC favorite Illinois State men's golf team opens the 2024 spring season on Monday morning when the squad competes in the first day of the 2024 Border Olympics hosted by the University of Houston.
Event: Border Olympics
When: Monday, February 19 - Tuesday, February 20
Where: Laredo Country Club // Laredo, Texas
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,375
Live Scoring: SmartGolf
Participants (Men's Team Collegiate Rankings): Illinois State (64), Michigan (67), Houston (80), Lipscomb (93), ULM (101), North Texas (106), Lamar (116), Sam Houston (119), Miami (136), Wright State (140), Troy (142), Western Carolina (145), New Mexico State (156), Rice (184), Abilene Christian (185), Bowling Green (207), Houston Christian (262)
Redbird Lineup (national rank / starting hole):Â Alex McCulla (121 / 5A), Valentin Peugnet (158 / 6A), Parker Wisdom (625 / 6B), Felix van Dijk (598 / 7A), TJ Barger (788 / 8B)
Last Time Out: The Illinois State men's golf team closed the 2023 fall season with a fourth-place finish at the Dayton Flyer Invitational, as Felix van Dijk was the individual runner-up, and later earned MVC Golfer of the Week for his efforts. van Dijk finished the tournament with a six-under 207 over the three rounds, while Valentin Peugnet's 212 (-1) saw him tie for 16th. Parker Wisdom shot an even-par 213 to tie for 18th for the 'Birds, who were under par as a team in two of the three rounds.
History at the Tournament: ISU has competed in this tournament in each of the past three seasons, starting in the fall season of 2021.Â
2023: 11th / 17 (294-298-302--894)
2022: t-7th / 14 (299-299-302--900)
2021: 8th / 18 (294-297-302--893)
About the Course: The Laredo Country Club is considered by many as the hidden oasis of South Texas. And has quickly become the talk of golfing enthusiasts who have either become members or very long-time guests or "Members for a day" as we like to refer to them. Built on over 160 acres of once very vegetative ranch land, the club provides an unexpected level of difficulty combined with strategically designed putting greens. The Laredo Country Club plays to four different tee markers for all levels of players. From 5785 yards, the Ladies tee marker to over 7241 yards from the Championship tees. We are sure that all golfers will enjoy a very challenging but enjoyable round of golf
