Nick Huggins
The Northern Illinois men’s golf team remains in 13th place following Monday’s second round of the Badger Invitational at University Ridge Golf Course.
Junior Nick Huggins (Marietta, Ohio/Marietta) continues to lead the Huskies as he enters Tuesday’s final round in a tie for 40th after shooting a 77 in the second round.
South Carolina continues to lead the team competition with a 36-hole total of 565, 11-under par. Caleb Sturgeon of the Gamecocks has a two stroke lead in the individual standings with a two-round total of 137, seven-under par.
“The scores were higher today, but it had nothing to do with ball striking,” said NIU head coach Tom Porten. “We just struggled around the greens. We had 12 or 13 three-putts and you just can’t give shots away around the greens. Conditions were harder, the wind was up and the greens got firm and crusty, but we just didn’t execute with the putter.
“We just finished a good short game practice here after the round and we will come back tomorrow and have a chance to play our best round of the tournament. The wind is supposed to be up again tomorrow, so we are looking forward to the challenge of finishing the tournament on a high note.”
After his second round 77, Huggins leads the way for NIU with a two-round total of 150.
Junior Liam White (Waukegan, Ill./Carmel Catholic/Indian Hills CC) is four strokes behind Huggins after carding a second round 78 and freshman Jake Curwin (Faribault, Minn./Shattuck St. Mary’s) is just a pair of strokes in back of White after firing a 79 in Monday’s second round.
Today’s final round is under way. For more information on NIU men’s golf and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
