ERIE, Colo. – Jaeseung Na broke Southern’s 18-hole record and led the team to program lows in 18, 36 and 54 holes in Southern’s play at the Mark Simpson Invitational Tuesday in Erie, Colo.
Round one was nearly perfect for Southern Illinois, who shot 19 under (269), breaking a school record and putting themselves in second place. Additionally, Jaeseung Na starred, shooting a 64, which ties the program record for the lowest 18-hole round.
“A bogey-free 64 is great playing, no matter where you are teeing it up,” Head Coach Justin Fetcho said. “Jae is a very talented player and once he gets his mental process kicking on all cylinders for 54 holes, you are going to see some really good stuff time and time again from him.”
The Salukis fell back towards the middle of the pack in rounds two and three to close with a fourth-place finish, but they continued their ultra-consistent play, holding the score low enough to break and tie the 36 and 54-hole school records, respectively.
Fetcho praised his team’s competitive play throughout the tournament.
“We found a way to put ourselves in contention again with 18 holes to play, which is always what you want as a competitor,” Fetcho said. “This group is showing the depth we have physically, but they are also showing that mentally they are willing to learn and be coachable. They have made some big strides since day one of arriving on campus, and it is showing each time we tee it up. Golf is unique in that our competition field is never the same like a basketball court or a baseball field. We have to be able to adapt to different conditions and styles of courses. I am proud that we have seen three different styles of golf courses this year, and we have been able to compete hard on each and every one of those different styles.”
When it came time for round three, Southern turned to its early-season star to keep the team in competition. Anthony De Schutter played his best golf, shooting 68 on day two, the fifth-best score out of 100 players.
“Anthony is that guy you love having on your team as you gear up for the final round with a chance to win,” Fetcho said. “He proved again this week that he is a big-time performer on the final day. He keeps getting better and better, and I know he will keep delivering for this team in those clutch moments.”
Here’s how the Salukis fared:
- Team: 4th, 836 (-28)
- Anthony De Schutter: T-12th, 208 (-8)
- Michael Mikus: T-14th, 209 (-7)
- Blake Saffell: T-27th, 211 (-5)
- Jaeseung Na: T-35th, 212 (-4)
- Ben Keil: T-52nd, 215 (-1)
Fetcho says, “If we can keep learning and growing, I truly believe we will see some special things from these guys.”
