Kent State Headed to 2017 NCAA National Golf Championship

The Kent State University Men’s Golf Team is headed to the 2017 NCAA Golf Championships May 25th – 31st at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, IL.

The Golden Flashes were among the leaders throughout the week and led the par-71 regional tournament for a portion of the third round. Kent State shot 3-over par 855 (287-282-286) and finished six strokes shy of the top spot, claimed by No. 1 Southern California. But they were 12 strokes above the cut line to make it to the Championship.

“These regionals are tough and nerve-wracking, but we had a great last two days,” said head coach Herb Page. “This was an outstanding championship golf course. Today we made 18 birdies and two eagles, and we still didn’t shoot under par. As I’ve said all year long, this team can make a lot of birdies. If we keep doing that, we’ll be fine.”

The Golden Flashes will move on to Nationals, hosted by Northern Illinois University. The final three days of the championship will be televised live by the Golf Channel.

“We’re going to the National Championship with the full intent to go and win it,” proclaimed Page. “We have a couple of things to work on, but we’ll prepare and have our best game ready to go when we get there.”

Ian Holt had his best round of the tournament Wednesday and made a run at the individual medalist honor. He shot a 67 in round three to finish tied for second at 4-under par 209. Holt finished three strokes off individual medalist Cole Miller. Holt recorded five birdies Wednesday and added an eagle on the 11th.

Bjarki Petursson followed his career-best day with a 72 in the final round. The sophomore finished tied for 11th at even par 213. Josh Whalen finished his week in the top-15, claiming a tie for 13th place at 1-over par 214. He matched his score from Tuesday at 72, aided by a pair of birdies on the back nine.

Gisli Sveinbergsson finished the tournament and scored for the Flashes in a tie for 29th at 8-over par 221. Like Whalen, the sophomore matched his second round score at 75. Chase Johnson maintained his spot at 40th and finished with a score of 11-over par 224. He carded a 75 Wednesday.

The 2017 spring season marks the first time since 2010 that both Kent State golf teams have qualified for Nationals. Kent State and Pepperdine are the only non “Power 5” teams in the country with both golf programs headed to Nationals.